Speakers
Risa Schwartz
Sole Practitioner, Risa Schwartz International Law
Risa Schwartz
Sole Practitioner, Risa Schwartz International Law
Risa Schwartz is a settler, living in Toronto, Canada. She is a sole practitioner who specializes in international trade and investment law and international environmental law and the intersections with the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Risa was a member of the Indigenous Working Group for Indigenous Trade Policy during the CUSMA negotiations, and a member of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee (IPAC) for the IPETCA negotiations. Risa currently sits on the World Economic Forum’s Indigenous Trade Steering Group. She formerly worked as a senior research fellow with Centre for International Governance Innovation’s International Law Research Program, worked for the Ministry of the Attorney General for the province of Ontario and started her career as a legal officer in the Trade and Environment Division at the World Trade Organization.
Risa has co-edited two recent books on Indigenous rights and international law: Braiding Legal Orders (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2019) and Indigenous Peoples and International Trade: Building equitable and inclusive International Trade and Investment Agreements (Cambridge University Press, 2020) and has some upcoming publications, co-authored with Carrie Stoddart-Smith, relating to Indigenous trade and sustainability.
Master of Ceremonies
Pahia Turia
Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru, Whanganui, Tuwharetoa
Pahia Turia is from the Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa, Whanganui, Ngā Rauru and Tuwharetoa whakapapa. He has been involved in Māori community development in the areas of health, justice, education and social housing for a number of years.
Pahia holds a number of directorships on boards throughout the country. He and his wife Njela own businesses in Whanganui and have a keen interest in both residential and commercial property.
Pahia has four tamariki and five mokopuna.
Master of Ceremonies
Pahia Turia
Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru, Whanganui, Tuwharetoa
Pahia Turia is from the Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa, Whanganui, Ngā Rauru and Tuwharetoa whakapapa. He has been involved in Māori community development in the areas of health, justice, education and social housing for a number of years.
Pahia holds a number of directorships on boards throughout the country. He and his wife Njela own businesses in Whanganui and have a keen interest in both residential and commercial property.
Pahia has four tamariki and five mokopuna.
Wayne Mulligan
Ngati Maniapoto, Te Atiawa, Taranaki Iwi - Nga Mahanga a Tairi
Why join the merchant navy when you can be a pirate.
Wayne Mulligan is a founding partner and CEO of Fomana Capital and NZ Bio Forestry. He has a Masters of Management from the University of Auckland, specialising business modelling and systems thinking. Wayne has attended design thinking and innovation progammes at Stanford University, SAP and Te Hono.
Wayne attended the FTA signings between New Zealand and China and the ASEAN.
Wayne Mulligan
Ngati Maniapoto, Te Atiawa, Taranaki Iwi - Nga Mahanga a Tairi
Why join the merchant navy when you can be a pirate.
Wayne Mulligan is a founding partner and CEO of Fomana Capital and NZ Bio Forestry. He has a Masters of Management from the University of Auckland, specialising business modelling and systems thinking. Wayne has attended design thinking and innovation progammes at Stanford University, SAP and Te Hono.
Wayne attended the FTA signings between New Zealand and China and the ASEAN.
Tania Pouwhare
Ngāi Tūhoe
Tania spent the formative years of her career working here and overseas in women's rights NGOs. Upon returning to Aotearoa she took a strategy role at Auckland Council and has been involved in economic equity issues for south and west Aucklanders, and Māori and Pasifika peoples particularly. Tania is a senior fellow with the Atlantic Fellowship for Social Equity, an honorary fellow of Engineering NZ, co-chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board and a member of Te Kāhu Mātai WorkSafe Partners Council.
Tania Pouwhare
Ngāi Tūhoe
Tania spent the formative years of her career working here and overseas in women's rights NGOs. Upon returning to Aotearoa she took a strategy role at Auckland Council and has been involved in economic equity issues for south and west Aucklanders, and Māori and Pasifika peoples particularly. Tania is a senior fellow with the Atlantic Fellowship for Social Equity, an honorary fellow of Engineering NZ, co-chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board and a member of Te Kāhu Mātai WorkSafe Partners Council.
Professor Maria Bargh
Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa
Maria Bargh is Professor of Politics and Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.
She has researched and published widely in the area of politics: Māori, local, national and international. She has analysed Māori rights and interests in international trade and foreign policy particularly in relation to questions of sovereignty, environmental protections, climate change and hidden economies.
She has served on a number of governance boards and is Minerals Advisor for her hapū Ngāti Kea/Ngāti Tuara at Horohoro, Rotorua. In 2022 she was appointed Deputy Chair of the Independent Electoral Review Panel.
Professor Maria Bargh
Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa
Maria Bargh is Professor of Politics and Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.
She has researched and published widely in the area of politics: Māori, local, national and international. She has analysed Māori rights and interests in international trade and foreign policy particularly in relation to questions of sovereignty, environmental protections, climate change and hidden economies.
She has served on a number of governance boards and is Minerals Advisor for her hapū Ngāti Kea/Ngāti Tuara at Horohoro, Rotorua. In 2022 she was appointed Deputy Chair of the Independent Electoral Review Panel.
Carrie Stoddart-Smith
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa, Te Uri o Hau
Carrie Stoddart-Smith is the founding Director of OpinioNative, a bespoke consultancy firm that prioritises surfacing cultural connections through trade and economic cooperation policy and initiatives. She is a member of several boards that focus on Indigenous trade and is particularly interested to further develop her research on the intersecting aspects of trade, technology, security and climate in the wider Asia Pacific through the perspectives of the regions Indigenous Peoples.
Carrie Stoddart-Smith
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa, Te Uri o Hau
Carrie Stoddart-Smith is the founding Director of OpinioNative, a bespoke consultancy firm that prioritises surfacing cultural connections through trade and economic cooperation policy and initiatives. She is a member of several boards that focus on Indigenous trade and is particularly interested to further develop her research on the intersecting aspects of trade, technology, security and climate in the wider Asia Pacific through the perspectives of the regions Indigenous Peoples.
Vangelis Vitalis
Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Vangelis Vitalis is Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic. He was the APEC2021 Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Chair for New Zealand’s host year and in 2023 Vangelis will be chairing the Senior Officials' process that supports the CPTPP Ministerial meetings. Vangelis was also the Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement and before that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. In 2007-9, Vangelis was also the Chief Negotiator who concluded the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA). Prior to taking up his role in Wellington in 2017, Vangelis was New Zealand’s Permanent Representative (Ambassador) to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva where he chaired the agriculture negotiations in a personal capacity. In this role he helped draft the text of the historic Nairobi WTO Ministerial Decision(external link) to eliminate agricultural export subsidies. Vangelis has also been the Ambassador to the European Union and NATO in Brussels and has had postings to Canberra and Moscow. Vangelis has worked outside the Ministry including as an economist in the Secretariat of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He is a past member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Council on Trade and is currently a member of the WEF Trade and Investment Action Group and is also on the Steering Committee for the WEF Climate Trade Zero initiative. He has chaired in a personal capacity the OECD Committee on Trade and the Environment (2008-2017), the OECD Global Forum on Trade and Climate Change and is currently the New Zealand Envoy for the Small Advanced Economies’ Initiative.
Vangelis Vitalis
Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Vangelis Vitalis is Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic. He was the APEC2021 Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Chair for New Zealand’s host year and in 2023 Vangelis will be chairing the Senior Officials' process that supports the CPTPP Ministerial meetings. Vangelis was also the Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement and before that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. In 2007-9, Vangelis was also the Chief Negotiator who concluded the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA). Prior to taking up his role in Wellington in 2017, Vangelis was New Zealand’s Permanent Representative (Ambassador) to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva where he chaired the agriculture negotiations in a personal capacity. In this role he helped draft the text of the historic Nairobi WTO Ministerial Decision(external link) to eliminate agricultural export subsidies. Vangelis has also been the Ambassador to the European Union and NATO in Brussels and has had postings to Canberra and Moscow. Vangelis has worked outside the Ministry including as an economist in the Secretariat of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He is a past member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Council on Trade and is currently a member of the WEF Trade and Investment Action Group and is also on the Steering Committee for the WEF Climate Trade Zero initiative. He has chaired in a personal capacity the OECD Committee on Trade and the Environment (2008-2017), the OECD Global Forum on Trade and Climate Change and is currently the New Zealand Envoy for the Small Advanced Economies’ Initiative.
Mr Ngahiwi Tomoana
Ngāti Kahungunu (Ngāti
Hawea, Ngāti Hori) and Samoan descent
Ngahiwi Tomoana is of Ngāti Kahungunu (Ngāti Hawea, Ngāti Hori) and Samoan descent and has been involved in hapū and iwi development most of his life.
Ngahiwi was the longest serving Chair of any iwi serving the Board of Ngāti Kahungunu for 26 years. He was also the Chair of Te Pou Tahua, an Iwi Chairs Group focused on International Trade and Economic
Development that sits within the wider National Iwi Chairs Forum. While no longer a Chairman of an Iwi, Ngahiwi is mandated by the National Iwi Chairs Forum to continue as the lead on behalf of Pou Tahua for Trade & Economic Development and is the visionary behind Te Aratini, which is built on the knowledge and experience that culture counts in commerce community and conservation.
Ngahiwi holds a number of key strategic positions that include: Kaihautū of Te Aratini; Co-Chair of Te Hurumanu, a partnership group that works alongside the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade; Forum Member of the NZ Police Commissioner’s Maori Focus Forum; Chief Ombudsman Board; Taumata Whakapumau - Wai 262; Chair of Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, Trustee member on the Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust and Co-Chair of the Māori Extreme Weather Science Response Panel.
Previous positions held include the role of Chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board; Board Member for the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and Executive Board Member for the New Zealand China Council; Deputy Chair of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and Chair of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board Maori Relationship Board to name a few.
Ngahiwi has a strong background in the seafood industry. He has previously been a Director and the Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana Trust and Deputy Chair of the Wai Māori Trust, a division of Te Ohu Kaimoana.
Ngahiwi is passionately involved in the rights of Māori and other indigenous peoples to their estates and represents indigenous peoples’ views on the global stage.
More importantly, Ngahiwi is a loving husband to Mere Tomoana, a father of six tamariki and grandfather to twenty one grandchildren and it is with his whānau in mind, that through all of these positions, responsibilities and vast experiences, he demonstrates his local, regional, national and international knowledge, passion and commitment to all things Māori, for the betterment of Māori katoa.
Mr Ngahiwi Tomoana
Ngāti Kahungunu (Ngāti
Hawea, Ngāti Hori) and Samoan descent
Ngahiwi Tomoana is of Ngāti Kahungunu (Ngāti Hawea, Ngāti Hori) and Samoan descent and has been involved in hapū and iwi development most of his life.
Ngahiwi was the longest serving Chair of any iwi serving the Board of Ngāti Kahungunu for 26 years. He was also the Chair of Te Pou Tahua, an Iwi Chairs Group focused on International Trade and Economic
Development that sits within the wider National Iwi Chairs Forum. While no longer a Chairman of an Iwi, Ngahiwi is mandated by the National Iwi Chairs Forum to continue as the lead on behalf of Pou Tahua for Trade & Economic Development and is the visionary behind Te Aratini, which is built on the knowledge and experience that culture counts in commerce community and conservation.
Ngahiwi holds a number of key strategic positions that include: Kaihautū of Te Aratini; Co-Chair of Te Hurumanu, a partnership group that works alongside the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade; Forum Member of the NZ Police Commissioner’s Maori Focus Forum; Chief Ombudsman Board; Taumata Whakapumau - Wai 262; Chair of Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, Trustee member on the Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust and Co-Chair of the Māori Extreme Weather Science Response Panel.
Previous positions held include the role of Chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board; Board Member for the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and Executive Board Member for the New Zealand China Council; Deputy Chair of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and Chair of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board Maori Relationship Board to name a few.
Ngahiwi has a strong background in the seafood industry. He has previously been a Director and the Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana Trust and Deputy Chair of the Wai Māori Trust, a division of Te Ohu Kaimoana.
Ngahiwi is passionately involved in the rights of Māori and other indigenous peoples to their estates and represents indigenous peoples’ views on the global stage.
More importantly, Ngahiwi is a loving husband to Mere Tomoana, a father of six tamariki and grandfather to twenty one grandchildren and it is with his whānau in mind, that through all of these positions, responsibilities and vast experiences, he demonstrates his local, regional, national and international knowledge, passion and commitment to all things Māori, for the betterment of Māori katoa.
Dr Carwyn Jones
Ngāti Kahungunu
Dr Carwyn Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu) is Lead Academic in the Ahunga Tikanga - Māori Laws and Philosophy programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa and an Honorary Adjunct Professor in Te Kawa a Māui - the School of Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Carwyn’s primary research interests relate to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the rights of Indigenous peoples, and Indigenous legal traditions.
Dr Carwyn Jones
Ngāti Kahungunu
Dr Carwyn Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu) is Lead Academic in the Ahunga Tikanga - Māori Laws and Philosophy programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa and an Honorary Adjunct Professor in Te Kawa a Māui - the School of Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Carwyn’s primary research interests relate to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the rights of Indigenous peoples, and Indigenous legal traditions.
Maui Solomon
Moriori, Kai Tahu and Pakeha
Maui is a lawyer with 37 years legal experience specialising in Indigenous Peoples rights and issues, Treaty law, cultural and intellectual property rights, fisheries and land claims and tribal development. Maui was Chief Negotiator for his own Moriori tribe whose 170 year old claim was ‘settled’ in 2021 . He is currently the Chair of the Moriori Imi Settlement Trust and Co-Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Peace and Conflicts Studies Trust that established a National Peace Centre at the University of Otago in 2009. He was Senior Counsel from 1992-2011 for the three Te Tai Tokerau Iwi in their Wai 262 claim and is an expert adviser to the Taumata Whakapumau Wai 262 pursuing implementation of that Claim. He has been invited as keynote speaker to various international fora over his long career including the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Convention on Biological Diversity, UNDRIP, Annual Bioneers Conference (San Fransico), International Society of Ethnobiology and was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the Simon Fraser University in British Columbia in 2010-2015. Maui has published many articles and papers in both national and international publications. For the past 2 years Maui has been an adviser to Nga Toki Whakarururanga and assisted with the negotiations for the NZUK-FTA, EU-FTA, IPECTA, and as the Aotearoa indigenous representative on the Interim-Body to establish the Partnership Council of IPECTA. He live with his wife Susan on Rekohu where they run a native plant nursery and regeneratively farm sheep and cattle on Maui’s family’s, 750 hectare farm at Owenga. They have five children and six mokos.
Maui Solomon
Moriori, Kai Tahu and Pakeha
Maui is a lawyer with 37 years legal experience specialising in Indigenous Peoples rights and issues, Treaty law, cultural and intellectual property rights, fisheries and land claims and tribal development. Maui was Chief Negotiator for his own Moriori tribe whose 170 year old claim was ‘settled’ in 2021 . He is currently the Chair of the Moriori Imi Settlement Trust and Co-Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Peace and Conflicts Studies Trust that established a National Peace Centre at the University of Otago in 2009. He was Senior Counsel from 1992-2011 for the three Te Tai Tokerau Iwi in their Wai 262 claim and is an expert adviser to the Taumata Whakapumau Wai 262 pursuing implementation of that Claim. He has been invited as keynote speaker to various international fora over his long career including the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Convention on Biological Diversity, UNDRIP, Annual Bioneers Conference (San Fransico), International Society of Ethnobiology and was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the Simon Fraser University in British Columbia in 2010-2015. Maui has published many articles and papers in both national and international publications. For the past 2 years Maui has been an adviser to Nga Toki Whakarururanga and assisted with the negotiations for the NZUK-FTA, EU-FTA, IPECTA, and as the Aotearoa indigenous representative on the Interim-Body to establish the Partnership Council of IPECTA. He live with his wife Susan on Rekohu where they run a native plant nursery and regeneratively farm sheep and cattle on Maui’s family’s, 750 hectare farm at Owenga. They have five children and six mokos.
Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua
Waikato, Ngaati Mutunga
Hinerangi Raumati is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She has significant financial, investment and general management experience. She has been CFO of Tainui Group Holdings and Executive Director of Operations for Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
Hinerangi is an experienced governor with a focus on post settlement iwi entities and Maori commercial entities. Hinerangi has a particular interest in driving Maori economic development and creating models of governance that capture tikanga and matauranga as an appropriate lens for doing business in Aotearoa.
She recently retired as the Chair of Parininihi ki Waitotara Inc. and Moana NZ. She is the current chair of Tainui Group Holdings Ltd and the iwi investment company of Ngati Mutunga. Hinerangi is on the board of Watercare Services Ltd, Genesis Energy Ltd, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Pouarua Farms, Taranaki Iwi Holdings Ltd and Te Puia Tapapa (the Maori Direct Investment Fund).
Hinerangi was also a member of the Tax Working Group in 2018. Her iwi are Waikato and Ngati Mutunga.
Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua
Waikato, Ngaati Mutunga
Hinerangi Raumati is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She has significant financial, investment and general management experience. She has been CFO of Tainui Group Holdings and Executive Director of Operations for Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
Hinerangi is an experienced governor with a focus on post settlement iwi entities and Maori commercial entities. Hinerangi has a particular interest in driving Maori economic development and creating models of governance that capture tikanga and matauranga as an appropriate lens for doing business in Aotearoa.
She recently retired as the Chair of Parininihi ki Waitotara Inc. and Moana NZ. She is the current chair of Tainui Group Holdings Ltd and the iwi investment company of Ngati Mutunga. Hinerangi is on the board of Watercare Services Ltd, Genesis Energy Ltd, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Pouarua Farms, Taranaki Iwi Holdings Ltd and Te Puia Tapapa (the Maori Direct Investment Fund).
Hinerangi was also a member of the Tax Working Group in 2018. Her iwi are Waikato and Ngati Mutunga.
Associate Professor Jason Paul Mika
Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu
Te Raupapa Waikato Management School & Te Kotahi Research Institute
Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato University of Waikato
Jason Mika is Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu. Jason was born in Whakatāne and raised mainly in Rotorua. Jason is married with seven children. He is an associate professor at Te Raupapa Waikato Management School and Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, in Hamilton, New Zealand. Jason’s research, teaching, writing, and practice centres on Indigenous business philosophy in multiple sites, sectors, and scales, including Indigenous trade, tourism, agribusiness, and the marine economy. In 2015, Jason completed a PhD in Māori entrepreneurship at Massey University. In 2019, Jason was a Fulbright-Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga senior scholar at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment and the University of Arizona’s Native Nations Institute. Jason is a member of the Academy of Management, Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management, and Te Apārangi Royal Society of New Zealand. Prior to academia, Jason was a management consultant and government analyst specialising in Māori economic development. Jason’s research has been influential in several areas of public policy including international trade, environmental policy, business statistics, and tax administration.
Associate Professor Jason Paul Mika
Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu
Te Raupapa Waikato Management School & Te Kotahi Research Institute
Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato University of Waikato
Jason Mika is Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu. Jason was born in Whakatāne and raised mainly in Rotorua. Jason is married with seven children. He is an associate professor at Te Raupapa Waikato Management School and Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, in Hamilton, New Zealand. Jason’s research, teaching, writing, and practice centres on Indigenous business philosophy in multiple sites, sectors, and scales, including Indigenous trade, tourism, agribusiness, and the marine economy. In 2015, Jason completed a PhD in Māori entrepreneurship at Massey University. In 2019, Jason was a Fulbright-Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga senior scholar at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment and the University of Arizona’s Native Nations Institute. Jason is a member of the Academy of Management, Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management, and Te Apārangi Royal Society of New Zealand. Prior to academia, Jason was a management consultant and government analyst specialising in Māori economic development. Jason’s research has been influential in several areas of public policy including international trade, environmental policy, business statistics, and tax administration.
Tane Waetford
Lead Adviser
Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
No Ngāti Hine, Ngātiwai me Te Whakatōhea, Tane Waetford is Lead Adviser Māori Trade in the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division (TPEI). TPEI is responsible for managing MFAT’s Māori and stakeholder engagement on trade issues, and for the ongoing implementation and periodic upgrade of New Zealand's in-force trade agreements.
Tane joined MFAT in 2009 and has worked in a number of different Wellington-based teams including North Asia Division (Taiwan desk), APEC, United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division (2015-16 Security Council Campaign), APEC21 (Māori Success Team) and the Māori Policy Unit. He has had overseas postings to Brazil and Argentina, as well as short-term assignments to the Philippines and Ireland. Tane studied at Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (2005) and a Master of Laws (2009).
Tane Waetford
Lead Adviser
Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
No Ngāti Hine, Ngātiwai me Te Whakatōhea, Tane Waetford is Lead Adviser Māori Trade in the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division (TPEI). TPEI is responsible for managing MFAT’s Māori and stakeholder engagement on trade issues, and for the ongoing implementation and periodic upgrade of New Zealand's in-force trade agreements.
Tane joined MFAT in 2009 and has worked in a number of different Wellington-based teams including North Asia Division (Taiwan desk), APEC, United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division (2015-16 Security Council Campaign), APEC21 (Māori Success Team) and the Māori Policy Unit. He has had overseas postings to Brazil and Argentina, as well as short-term assignments to the Philippines and Ireland. Tane studied at Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (2005) and a Master of Laws (2009).
Stella McLean
Kia ora, ko Stella toku ingoa. He uri tenei no Ngāti Tuwharetoa me Waikato Tainui. I am 4th year student at the Univeristy of Waikato doing a bachelor of Management Studies with Honours majoring in Strategic Management and a double minor in Leadership Communications and Marketing. I am also the Co-President of Te Ranga Ngaku, our māori management student association and the Vice-President of the Waikato Student Union.
Stella McLean
Kia ora, ko Stella toku ingoa. He uri tenei no Ngāti Tuwharetoa me Waikato Tainui. I am 4th year student at the Univeristy of Waikato doing a bachelor of Management Studies with Honours majoring in Strategic Management and a double minor in Leadership Communications and Marketing. I am also the Co-President of Te Ranga Ngaku, our māori management student association and the Vice-President of the Waikato Student Union.
Dr Jessica Hutchings
Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati
Dr Jessica Hutchings (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati) is nationally and internationally recognised as a leader in Indigenous food systems and Māori food and soil sovereignty, she is a founding Trustee of the Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust that works to uplift Māori food and soil sovereignty and Hua Parakore (Māori organics) through research, development and community practice. She lives on 12 acres and is a Hua Parakore verified family food grower. She has been a member of Te Waka Kai Ora - the Māori Organics Authority for the last two decades.
Jessica is also a widely published author, including recent books, Te Mahi Oneone Hua Parakore: A Māori Soil Sovereignty and Wellbeing Handbook (Freerange Press 2020), and Te Mahi Māra Hua Parakore: A Māori Food Sovereignty Handbook (Te Tākupu, 2015). Dr Hutchings has been working at the crossroads of Indigenous knowledge, whānau and environmental wellbeing for the last three decades and is passionate about Indigenous social justice, organic farming and self-determination. She was named as a finalist in 2023 for the New Zealander of the year in the Environment category as well as being named one of New Zealand’s top 50 influential women in food and drink.
For further information see:
jessicahutchings.org.nz
https://www.papawhakaritorito.com/
Dr Jessica Hutchings
Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati
Dr Jessica Hutchings (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati) is nationally and internationally recognised as a leader in Indigenous food systems and Māori food and soil sovereignty, she is a founding Trustee of the Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust that works to uplift Māori food and soil sovereignty and Hua Parakore (Māori organics) through research, development and community practice. She lives on 12 acres and is a Hua Parakore verified family food grower. She has been a member of Te Waka Kai Ora - the Māori Organics Authority for the last two decades.
Jessica is also a widely published author, including recent books, Te Mahi Oneone Hua Parakore: A Māori Soil Sovereignty and Wellbeing Handbook (Freerange Press 2020), and Te Mahi Māra Hua Parakore: A Māori Food Sovereignty Handbook (Te Tākupu, 2015). Dr Hutchings has been working at the crossroads of Indigenous knowledge, whānau and environmental wellbeing for the last three decades and is passionate about Indigenous social justice, organic farming and self-determination. She was named as a finalist in 2023 for the New Zealander of the year in the Environment category as well as being named one of New Zealand’s top 50 influential women in food and drink.
For further information see:
jessicahutchings.org.nz
https://www.papawhakaritorito.com/
India Logan-Riley
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Ngāti Hawea, Rongomaiwahine, Rangitāne
India is the Climate Justice Organiser at ActionStation and a community
researcher for the research project, Generation Kāinga. They bring a background
in Māori heritage spaces and lived experience of climate injustice to their
mahi in a broad range of areas from UN climate negotiations to harakeke roots
work on #LandBack kaupapa with rangatahi Māori and Pasifika. India dreams of
resilient communities where everyone is safe and joyful.
India Logan-Riley
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Ngāti Hawea, Rongomaiwahine, Rangitāne
India is the Climate Justice Organiser at ActionStation and a community
researcher for the research project, Generation Kāinga. They bring a background
in Māori heritage spaces and lived experience of climate injustice to their
mahi in a broad range of areas from UN climate negotiations to harakeke roots
work on #LandBack kaupapa with rangatahi Māori and Pasifika. India dreams of
resilient communities where everyone is safe and joyful.
Moana Maniapoto
Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
An award winning artist, documentary maker & journalist, Moana is a co-convenor of Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
A co-founder of the Māori Music Industry Coalition and the Toi Iho Māori Made Mark, her documentary Guarding the Family Silver was a response to the trademarking of her name by a German company. She gave evidence in Wai262 and was a Wai2252 claimant. In 2016, Moana toured Japan sharing Indigenous concerns around the TPPA
Moana Maniapoto
Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
An award winning artist, documentary maker & journalist, Moana is a co-convenor of Ngā Toki Whakarururanga
A co-founder of the Māori Music Industry Coalition and the Toi Iho Māori Made Mark, her documentary Guarding the Family Silver was a response to the trademarking of her name by a German company. She gave evidence in Wai262 and was a Wai2252 claimant. In 2016, Moana toured Japan sharing Indigenous concerns around the TPPA
Julie Paama-Pengelly
Ngāiterangi, Ngāi Tūwhiwhia, Ngāi Tauaiti, Ngāti Tapu
Julie Paama-Pengelly (Ngāiterangi, Ngāi Tūwhiwhia, Ngāi Tauaiti, Ngāti Tapu) is a veteran of the revitalisation of tā moko Māori tattooing, with an expansive oeuvre in the Māori art development sphere. Her contributions include personal art and design practice, curatorial leadership, educational direction, and regional arts strategic development.
Her studio, Art + Body in Mount Maunganui (established in 2011), serves as a creative hub for growing Māori artists. She also chairs the Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust (TMT), which provides advocacy, support, and the development of excellence in tangata whenua creative expression across Tauranga Moana. The trust's initiatives include a whakapapa-based 'Ngā Uri o Muturangi' indigenous to indigenous reciprocal strategy.
Julie Paama-Pengelly
Ngāiterangi, Ngāi Tūwhiwhia, Ngāi Tauaiti, Ngāti Tapu
Julie Paama-Pengelly (Ngāiterangi, Ngāi Tūwhiwhia, Ngāi Tauaiti, Ngāti Tapu) is a veteran of the revitalisation of tā moko Māori tattooing, with an expansive oeuvre in the Māori art development sphere. Her contributions include personal art and design practice, curatorial leadership, educational direction, and regional arts strategic development.
Her studio, Art + Body in Mount Maunganui (established in 2011), serves as a creative hub for growing Māori artists. She also chairs the Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust (TMT), which provides advocacy, support, and the development of excellence in tangata whenua creative expression across Tauranga Moana. The trust's initiatives include a whakapapa-based 'Ngā Uri o Muturangi' indigenous to indigenous reciprocal strategy.
Kaye-Maree Dunn
Kaiwhakahaere - Director of Making Everything Achievable
Kaye-Maree is the Director of Making Everything Achievable, Ahau NZ Limited, and Indigital Blockchain Limited. She is currently on the Interim Māori Spectrum Trust Board, North Hokianga Development Trust, Āhau Tātai Hono Trust, and is a Sir Edmond Hillary Fellow and a Senior Atlantic Fellow through the University of Melbourne.
She has worked in the realm of Māori and Community development for over 21 years and loves being involved in lifting the transformative capability of whānau, hapū, and iwi to actively contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s economic potential.
Kaye-Maree Dunn
Kaiwhakahaere - Director of Making Everything Achievable
Kaye-Maree is the Director of Making Everything Achievable, Ahau NZ Limited, and Indigital Blockchain Limited. She is currently on the Interim Māori Spectrum Trust Board, North Hokianga Development Trust, Āhau Tātai Hono Trust, and is a Sir Edmond Hillary Fellow and a Senior Atlantic Fellow through the University of Melbourne.
She has worked in the realm of Māori and Community development for over 21 years and loves being involved in lifting the transformative capability of whānau, hapū, and iwi to actively contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s economic potential.
Hon Rino Tirikatene MP for Te Tai Tonga
Rino is the Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth and Minister for Courts.
Rino is an experienced Labour Member of Parliament who has held the Te Tai Tonga electorate seat since 2011. He represents Māori in the largest electorate in New Zealand.
Prior to entering Parliament, Rino practiced commercial law and had fifteen years’ experience working in Māori economic development roles including Chief Executive of the Federation of Maōri Authorities and as a Senior Manager for Ngāi Tahu Seafood.
Hon Rino Tirikatene MP for Te Tai Tonga
Rino is the Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth and Minister for Courts.
Rino is an experienced Labour Member of Parliament who has held the Te Tai Tonga electorate seat since 2011. He represents Māori in the largest electorate in New Zealand.
Prior to entering Parliament, Rino practiced commercial law and had fifteen years’ experience working in Māori economic development roles including Chief Executive of the Federation of Maōri Authorities and as a Senior Manager for Ngāi Tahu Seafood.
Annette
Te Imaima Sykes
Director, Annette Sykes & Co Ltd
Annette Te Imaima Sykes is of Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Makino descent who focuses on Maori law in her own law firm. She has been actively advocating for human rights for over 35 years and is dedicated to bringing about constitutional change. She has also been involved in the Waitangi Tribunal Claims process, which addresses issues related to the cultural and intellectual property rights of Maori communities affected by government policies.
Annette was one of the first members of the Maori Broadcasting Agency, which was established after successful court claims regarding the Maori language. She also served as a founding member of Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd and was appointed Deputy Chairperson as part of the Maori Fisheries Settlement in 1989.
Annette has represented Maori in various United Nations forums and has provided advice on issues such as human trafficking, promoting a nuclear-free Pacific, and advocating for Indigenous rights. She has held important positions in several organizations dedicated to sustainable Maori development.
Currently, she is a member of Te Tai Kaha Maori Collective and acts as an advisor to the Government in promoting Maori rights, interests and responsibilities in freshwater and taking part in the Resource Management reforms. She recently became the main lawyer representing Maori in claims against the government regarding the CPP TPPA, ensuring that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is respected in free trade negotiations. Above all, she is a mother and grandmother and is deeply connected to her tribal communities who have supported her throughout her career.
Annette
Te Imaima Sykes
Director, Annette Sykes & Co Ltd
Annette Te Imaima Sykes is of Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Makino descent who focuses on Maori law in her own law firm. She has been actively advocating for human rights for over 35 years and is dedicated to bringing about constitutional change. She has also been involved in the Waitangi Tribunal Claims process, which addresses issues related to the cultural and intellectual property rights of Maori communities affected by government policies.
Annette was one of the first members of the Maori Broadcasting Agency, which was established after successful court claims regarding the Maori language. She also served as a founding member of Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd and was appointed Deputy Chairperson as part of the Maori Fisheries Settlement in 1989.
Annette has represented Maori in various United Nations forums and has provided advice on issues such as human trafficking, promoting a nuclear-free Pacific, and advocating for Indigenous rights. She has held important positions in several organizations dedicated to sustainable Maori development.
Currently, she is a member of Te Tai Kaha Maori Collective and acts as an advisor to the Government in promoting Maori rights, interests and responsibilities in freshwater and taking part in the Resource Management reforms. She recently became the main lawyer representing Maori in claims against the government regarding the CPP TPPA, ensuring that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is respected in free trade negotiations. Above all, she is a mother and grandmother and is deeply connected to her tribal communities who have supported her throughout her career.
Professor
Dennis Foley
Professor Dennis Foley is from the Cammeraigal clan, he helped establish the research area that is Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Australia some thirty years ago. He has researched and taught extensively in Australia and internationally. Professor Foley is a Fulbright Scholar and dual Endeavour Fellow. His publications focus on social inclusion and the Indigenous cross disciples including Literature, History, Business Management (Entrepreneurship) and Indigenous Epistemology and Pedagogy. Carrangel Consulting is his trading name you can contact him at dennis.foley@carrangel.com
Professor Dennis Foley
Professor Dennis Foley is from the Cammeraigal clan, he helped establish the research area that is Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Australia some thirty years ago. He has researched and taught extensively in Australia and internationally. Professor Foley is a Fulbright Scholar and dual Endeavour Fellow. His publications focus on social inclusion and the Indigenous cross disciples including Literature, History, Business Management (Entrepreneurship) and Indigenous Epistemology and Pedagogy. Carrangel Consulting is his trading name you can contact him at dennis.foley@carrangel.com
Peter-Lucas Jones
Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu
Peter-Lucas Jones (Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu) is the Chief Executive Officer of Te Hiku Media, Chair of Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo irirangi Māori, and Chair of Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri. He negotiates the responsibility of protecting iwi and Māori data while leading a te reo Māori natural language processing project called Papa Reo. Peter-Lucas makes daily decisions to advance the sovereignty of Māori data, from the digital tools employed to increase project results to storing data and sharing data in appropriate and secure ways. This experience has seen the development of a Kaitiakitanga License for Te Hiku Media and the Papa Reo Data Science project. The licence provides a framework to guide the use of Māori data in AI and Machine Learning.
Peter-Lucas Jones
Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu
Peter-Lucas Jones (Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu) is the Chief Executive Officer of Te Hiku Media, Chair of Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo irirangi Māori, and Chair of Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri. He negotiates the responsibility of protecting iwi and Māori data while leading a te reo Māori natural language processing project called Papa Reo. Peter-Lucas makes daily decisions to advance the sovereignty of Māori data, from the digital tools employed to increase project results to storing data and sharing data in appropriate and secure ways. This experience has seen the development of a Kaitiakitanga License for Te Hiku Media and the Papa Reo Data Science project. The licence provides a framework to guide the use of Māori data in AI and Machine Learning.
Edwina Merito
Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko
Edwina Merito (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko) is a leader and specialist in Māori development, and she brings a te ao Māori perspective, grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
This, together with her wide experience at central and local government and iwi levels enables her to support organisations to have a bigger impact and make positive contributions to the everyday lives and futures of iwi and Māori.
In her lead role at MartinJenkins, Edwina advises organisations on how to consult, engage and partner with iwi and Māori and how to take a partnering approach.
Edwina Merito
Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko
Edwina Merito (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko) is a leader and specialist in Māori development, and she brings a te ao Māori perspective, grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
This, together with her wide experience at central and local government and iwi levels enables her to support organisations to have a bigger impact and make positive contributions to the everyday lives and futures of iwi and Māori.
In her lead role at MartinJenkins, Edwina advises organisations on how to consult, engage and partner with iwi and Māori and how to take a partnering approach.
Professor Sandra L.Morrison
Tēnā koutou katoa. Nō Te Arawa rāua ko Tainui ahau. Tīhei mauri ora.
Sandy’s research and professional specialty focuses on adult education, education for sustainability and the application of indigenous models in addressing developmental issues to improve livelihoods for indigenous peoples and peoples of the Pacific.
Sandy is the Past President of ICAE, International Council for Adult Education, and was inducted into the International Adult and Community Education Hall of Fame by the University of Oklahoma in 2009.
Professor Sandra L.Morrison
Tēnā koutou katoa. Nō Te Arawa rāua ko Tainui ahau. Tīhei mauri ora.
Sandy’s research and professional specialty focuses on adult education, education for sustainability and the application of indigenous models in addressing developmental issues to improve livelihoods for indigenous peoples and peoples of the Pacific.
Sandy is the Past President of ICAE, International Council for Adult Education, and was inducted into the International Adult and Community Education Hall of Fame by the University of Oklahoma in 2009.
Dr Parehau Richards
Senior Associate, GHA Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants, Rotorua
Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Waikato | BMS, MMS with Distinction (Waikato), PhD (Te Herenga Waka)
Growing up, Parehau was heavily influenced by her elders in Te Kaha who set strong foundations and expectations to follow an academic pathway of learning, teaching and managing at Wānanga, Universities and Polytechnics, initially training in accounting, Māori Resource Management and te reo Māori. Parehau has also applied her technical skills in kāhanga reo, kura kaupapa, marae health and whānau trust governance roles while also teaching, researching and consulting.
Dr Parehau Richards
Senior Associate, GHA Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants, Rotorua
Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Waikato | BMS, MMS with Distinction (Waikato), PhD (Te Herenga Waka)
Growing up, Parehau was heavily influenced by her elders in Te Kaha who set strong foundations and expectations to follow an academic pathway of learning, teaching and managing at Wānanga, Universities and Polytechnics, initially training in accounting, Māori Resource Management and te reo Māori. Parehau has also applied her technical skills in kāhanga reo, kura kaupapa, marae health and whānau trust governance roles while also teaching, researching and consulting.
Chris Insley
Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea and Ngati Porou
BBS Finance, PGradDip Marketing and Logistics, MBA with distinction, PGradDip Business Research, Harvard Business School Exec Program International Finance and Global Strategy. Extensive New Zealand and international business experience and connections across Asia, North America, UK and Europe.
When not working, can’t get enough time with two grandsons.
Chris Insley
Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea and Ngati Porou
BBS Finance, PGradDip Marketing and Logistics, MBA with distinction, PGradDip Business Research, Harvard Business School Exec Program International Finance and Global Strategy. Extensive New Zealand and international business experience and connections across Asia, North America, UK and Europe.
When not working, can’t get enough time with two grandsons.
Dr Robert Joseph
Maniapoto, Raukawa, Tūwharetoa, Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu
Dr Joseph is an Associate Professor of Law at Te Piringa-Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato, and a registered Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. Dr Joseph is the current director of the Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre at Waikato University, and he is a founding member of Te Taumata, the Māori Committee for the New Zealand Government Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Dr Joseph is the current New Zealand representative on the International Inter-Tribal Trade and Investment Organisation (IITIO), he is a former Claude McCarthy and Fulbright Scholar, the latter at Harvard University and the University of Arizona, he is an expert witness, licenced researcher and legal historian in the Waitangi Tribunal; and he has also worked closely with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, the Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona, the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute in Brisbane, and the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at Australia National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. In 2021, Dr Joseph co-edited and published the seminal Law textbook Joseph, R & Benton, R, (Eds.), Waking the Taniwha: Māori Governance in the 21st Century, (Thomson Reuters, New Zealand, 2021) 1025 pages.
Dr Robert Joseph
Maniapoto, Raukawa, Tūwharetoa, Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu
Dr Joseph is an Associate Professor of Law at Te Piringa-Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato, and a registered Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. Dr Joseph is the current director of the Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre at Waikato University, and he is a founding member of Te Taumata, the Māori Committee for the New Zealand Government Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Dr Joseph is the current New Zealand representative on the International Inter-Tribal Trade and Investment Organisation (IITIO), he is a former Claude McCarthy and Fulbright Scholar, the latter at Harvard University and the University of Arizona, he is an expert witness, licenced researcher and legal historian in the Waitangi Tribunal; and he has also worked closely with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, the Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona, the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute in Brisbane, and the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at Australia National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. In 2021, Dr Joseph co-edited and published the seminal Law textbook Joseph, R & Benton, R, (Eds.), Waking the Taniwha: Māori Governance in the 21st Century, (Thomson Reuters, New Zealand, 2021) 1025 pages.
Kiriwaitingi A Rei
Kiriwaitingi is the Head of Māori Alliances at Zespri International, driving to improve cultural competency in the organisation, to strengthen partnerships/relationships with Māori growers and key stakeholders, and to create ongoing value for future generations, including supporting collaborative marketing opportunities for Māori kiwifruit growers into international markets.
Kiriwaitingi A Rei
Kiriwaitingi is the Head of Māori Alliances at Zespri International, driving to improve cultural competency in the organisation, to strengthen partnerships/relationships with Māori growers and key stakeholders, and to create ongoing value for future generations, including supporting collaborative marketing opportunities for Māori kiwifruit growers into international markets.
Rachel Maidment
Ngāti Kahungunu & Rangitāne o Wairarapa
Rachel served as New Zealand Consul General in Guangzhou from 2016 to 2019, a period of rapid expansion in New Zealand’s relationship with Southern China. During this time she led NZ Inc and supporting agencies and businesses in-market, and oversaw public diplomacy initiatives to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Prior to this, Rachel served in policy and legal roles at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing and the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei and was seconded to New York to represent New Zealand at the UN General Assembly.
A fluent Mandarin speaker, Rachel also founded a consultancy which provided services and facilitated business opportunities for New Zealand companies, government agencies and Māori entities in Asia.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Science from the University of Auckland and studied Mandarin at the Australian Defence Force School of Languages and Taiwan National University.
Rachel Maidment
Ngāti Kahungunu & Rangitāne o Wairarapa
Rachel served as New Zealand Consul General in Guangzhou from 2016 to 2019, a period of rapid expansion in New Zealand’s relationship with Southern China. During this time she led NZ Inc and supporting agencies and businesses in-market, and oversaw public diplomacy initiatives to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Prior to this, Rachel served in policy and legal roles at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing and the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei and was seconded to New York to represent New Zealand at the UN General Assembly.
A fluent Mandarin speaker, Rachel also founded a consultancy which provided services and facilitated business opportunities for New Zealand companies, government agencies and Māori entities in Asia.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Science from the University of Auckland and studied Mandarin at the Australian Defence Force School of Languages and Taiwan National University.
Dr Nailasikau Halatuituia
Dr Nailasikau Halatuituia is proudly Tongan and passionate about the success of Pacific peoples and the environment. Nailasikau will continue to be based at Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand, he and his family have lived since 2003. He is blessed with his beautiful wife Vaha, and their four children, Toutai, ‘Anaseini Tupouveihola, ‘Apuanea, and Tu’ameliemeilangi. Nailasikau loves rugby and listening to classic Tongan music, is also hoping to soon take up golf.
Nailasikau joins Mana Pacific most recently from a position with Massey University where he was a key member of the Pacific team, advising on strategic initiatives and student-centered learning. Prior to this, Nailasikau has worked as a consultant, community navigator, and a social safeguard specialist on projects across the Pacific, primarily around environmental and land-based developments since 2011.
During this time, Nailasikau took on governance roles, including a five-year term as deputy chairman on the Utility Board (power, waste, and water) in Tonga. In that role, his focus was on the sustainable power and resources in the Pacific region. Earlier, Nailasikau worked as a civil servant in Tonga for 15 years, rising to the position of CEO for the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment.
Nailasikau looks forward to contributing to the success of Mana Pacific and making a difference in the lives of Pacific peoples.
Dr Nailasikau Halatuituia
Dr Nailasikau Halatuituia is proudly Tongan and passionate about the success of Pacific peoples and the environment. Nailasikau will continue to be based at Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand, he and his family have lived since 2003. He is blessed with his beautiful wife Vaha, and their four children, Toutai, ‘Anaseini Tupouveihola, ‘Apuanea, and Tu’ameliemeilangi. Nailasikau loves rugby and listening to classic Tongan music, is also hoping to soon take up golf.
Nailasikau joins Mana Pacific most recently from a position with Massey University where he was a key member of the Pacific team, advising on strategic initiatives and student-centered learning. Prior to this, Nailasikau has worked as a consultant, community navigator, and a social safeguard specialist on projects across the Pacific, primarily around environmental and land-based developments since 2011.
During this time, Nailasikau took on governance roles, including a five-year term as deputy chairman on the Utility Board (power, waste, and water) in Tonga. In that role, his focus was on the sustainable power and resources in the Pacific region. Earlier, Nailasikau worked as a civil servant in Tonga for 15 years, rising to the position of CEO for the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment.
Nailasikau looks forward to contributing to the success of Mana Pacific and making a difference in the lives of Pacific peoples.
Hon Nanaia Mahuta
As a mother, and a constituent MP with 20 plus years’ experience who has come from ‘flax-root’ politics, Hon Nanaia Mahuta remains connected to the aspirations of people from all walks of life. Those who work hard for a living so that their children can do better, kaumatua, tradespeople, those who aspire to own their home, those who own small businesses and those who lead a range of services and organisations and huge iwi entities.
During her time in Parliament, Nanaia supported policies and initiatives that built the capacity of communities, especially social service organisations, greater investment in education, employment and training opportunities particularly for young people, supported the continuation of the Treaty settlement process and supported specific initiatives that lift the wellbeing and opportunities for young mums and those who are vulnerable and victims of abuse.
Nanaia is a tribal member of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Manu and her parliamentary experience has enabled her to contribute to the collective aspirations of Māori and all New Zealanders.
In the 2020 Labour Government, under Jacinda Ardern’s leadership, Nanaia became the first woman to hold the Foreign Affairs portfolio. She was also Minister of Local Government, and Associate Minister for Māori Development.
Hon Nanaia Mahuta
As a mother, and a constituent MP with 20 plus years’ experience who has come from ‘flax-root’ politics, Hon Nanaia Mahuta remains connected to the aspirations of people from all walks of life. Those who work hard for a living so that their children can do better, kaumatua, tradespeople, those who aspire to own their home, those who own small businesses and those who lead a range of services and organisations and huge iwi entities.
During her time in Parliament, Nanaia supported policies and initiatives that built the capacity of communities, especially social service organisations, greater investment in education, employment and training opportunities particularly for young people, supported the continuation of the Treaty settlement process and supported specific initiatives that lift the wellbeing and opportunities for young mums and those who are vulnerable and victims of abuse.
Nanaia is a tribal member of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Manu and her parliamentary experience has enabled her to contribute to the collective aspirations of Māori and all New Zealanders.
In the 2020 Labour Government, under Jacinda Ardern’s leadership, Nanaia became the first woman to hold the Foreign Affairs portfolio. She was also Minister of Local Government, and Associate Minister for Māori Development.
Hemi Ruru
Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Muaupoko, Rangitaane, Ngati Kahungungu, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kuia, Te Atiawa
As the Business Partner - Pakihi Māori for BNZ here in Waikato, I am excited to be in a dedicated role that supports and works with pakihi Māori across the mighty Waikato. Previous to this role, I worked with Pakihi Māori from an Economic Development lens here in the Waikato working across a variety of projects to support and uplift Māori business potential both here in Waikato and collaborating across other regions. I bring these connections and relationships into my current role to continue supporting our Māori whānau across all aspects of their mahi with a special focus on ensuring they have the best financial support available.
Having a passion for uplifting the capability and capacity of Pakihi Māori allows me to focus on not just banking opportunities but other support options available to fully support their growth and development.
I aspire to make a difference within our Pakihi Māori whānau and help create a difference for their development, growth, capability and capacity. My hope is what we do now, creates a positive change for the next generation which will help shape the Māori economy positively and continue building greater opportunities for more Māori to be successful in the future.
Hemi Ruru
Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Muaupoko, Rangitaane, Ngati Kahungungu, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kuia, Te Atiawa
As the Business Partner - Pakihi Māori for BNZ here in Waikato, I am excited to be in a dedicated role that supports and works with pakihi Māori across the mighty Waikato. Previous to this role, I worked with Pakihi Māori from an Economic Development lens here in the Waikato working across a variety of projects to support and uplift Māori business potential both here in Waikato and collaborating across other regions. I bring these connections and relationships into my current role to continue supporting our Māori whānau across all aspects of their mahi with a special focus on ensuring they have the best financial support available.
Having a passion for uplifting the capability and capacity of Pakihi Māori allows me to focus on not just banking opportunities but other support options available to fully support their growth and development.
I aspire to make a difference within our Pakihi Māori whānau and help create a difference for their development, growth, capability and capacity. My hope is what we do now, creates a positive change for the next generation which will help shape the Māori economy positively and continue building greater opportunities for more Māori to be successful in the future.
Dr Keakaokawai Hemi
Through her mother, Keaka is Kanaka Maoli, Kanaka ʻŌiwi from Na 'Ohana o Kalama of La'ie Hawai'i. Through her father, she is Cherokee from Bohannon Mountain in Northwest Arkansas...and a few other things. She is a mother, grandmother, educator and researcher.
Keaka was appointed as the first Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Waikato in February 2019. This role provides strategic leadership for the university's ongoing efforts to improve success for Pacific learners, staff, families and communities through tertiary education. Prior to this, Keaka served as the Associate Dean (Undergraduate) at Te Piringa Faculty of Law. As a law lecturer, Keaka's teaching has included Pacific people and the law, indigenous rights, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights, legal theory, and comparative law. Her research reflects this and explores issues like climate change, health and education that present wicked challenges to notions of equality and non-discrimination. Keaka is especially passionate about building leadership, pathways and success for Pacific and indigenous people through cultural legacies of success and evidence-based approaches. She is currently an author on the MFAT-funded Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA) project, a comprehensive interdisciplinary project led by Pacific people for Pacific people, in the area of indigenous social ecological resilience. Keaka has also served on the NZ Ministry of Education's NCEA Review Pacific Peoples Panel and as Chair of Universities NZ's Komiti Pasifika. She has been a company director for more than two decades and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of K'aute Pasifika Trust, a Pacific healthcare provider.
Dr Keakaokawai Hemi
Through her mother, Keaka is Kanaka Maoli, Kanaka ʻŌiwi from Na 'Ohana o Kalama of La'ie Hawai'i. Through her father, she is Cherokee from Bohannon Mountain in Northwest Arkansas...and a few other things. She is a mother, grandmother, educator and researcher.
Keaka was appointed as the first Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific at the University of Waikato in February 2019. This role provides strategic leadership for the university's ongoing efforts to improve success for Pacific learners, staff, families and communities through tertiary education. Prior to this, Keaka served as the Associate Dean (Undergraduate) at Te Piringa Faculty of Law. As a law lecturer, Keaka's teaching has included Pacific people and the law, indigenous rights, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights, legal theory, and comparative law. Her research reflects this and explores issues like climate change, health and education that present wicked challenges to notions of equality and non-discrimination. Keaka is especially passionate about building leadership, pathways and success for Pacific and indigenous people through cultural legacies of success and evidence-based approaches. She is currently an author on the MFAT-funded Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA) project, a comprehensive interdisciplinary project led by Pacific people for Pacific people, in the area of indigenous social ecological resilience. Keaka has also served on the NZ Ministry of Education's NCEA Review Pacific Peoples Panel and as Chair of Universities NZ's Komiti Pasifika. She has been a company director for more than two decades and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of K'aute Pasifika Trust, a Pacific healthcare provider.
Shaun Awatere
BMS MMS PhD
Ngāti Porou
Senior Kairangahau, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
Pou Patai Mauri, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga| New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence
Shaun has been active supporting Māori manage collective assets in a more sustainable manner consistent with the kaupapa-Māori principles of kaitiekitanga, manaakitanga and whakatipu rawa. He is currently engaged in research and policy to help prepare iwi/hapū Māori for climate change mitigation and adaptation planning. Shaun and a team of Nga Pae o Te Māramatanga researchers have recently summarised the latest research and guidance surrounding observed and projected climate change impacts on whānau/hapū/iwi and Māori business in Aotearoa-New Zealand. This research considers the implications of these changes for diverse interests and investments, and provides commentary about risk and uncertainty, knowledge gaps, and options for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Shaun Awatere
BMS MMS PhD
Ngāti Porou
Senior Kairangahau, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
Pou Patai Mauri, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga| New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence
Shaun has been active supporting Māori manage collective assets in a more sustainable manner consistent with the kaupapa-Māori principles of kaitiekitanga, manaakitanga and whakatipu rawa. He is currently engaged in research and policy to help prepare iwi/hapū Māori for climate change mitigation and adaptation planning. Shaun and a team of Nga Pae o Te Māramatanga researchers have recently summarised the latest research and guidance surrounding observed and projected climate change impacts on whānau/hapū/iwi and Māori business in Aotearoa-New Zealand. This research considers the implications of these changes for diverse interests and investments, and provides commentary about risk and uncertainty, knowledge gaps, and options for climate change mitigation and adaptation.