Kia tū rangatira ai ā Rongowhakaata

I am Bobby Mihi Howard (née Makara), daughter of Robert and Vivienne Makara, and granddaughter of Vivien Pohatu and Te Iwa Ria Te Ota,am dedicated to the Prosperity and well-being of Rongowhakaata. I seek the opportunity to serve as a Trustee for Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, bringing my experience, skills, and commitment to uplift and support our Iwi.

With a strong background in governance, I have held leadership roles in community boards, arts organizations, and business ventures. These roles have sharpened my ability to make informed decisions, address complex issues, and provide strategic direction for both iwi and commercial interests. I believe that sound governance and transparency are essential to our long-term success.

I am committed to managing our settlement redress responsibly, ensuring it benefits future generations. My focus will be on protecting our assets while identifying opportunities to grow our financial wealth. By leveraging our natural resources and iwi strengths, we can build sustainable revenue streams that reflect our unique values.

As a Trustee, I will support the aspirations of our people and uphold the values of Rongowhakaata. I am committed to fostering unity within our iwi through open, transparent

Communication and creating a shared vision. My goal is to serve with integrity, transparency, and respect, ensuring a prosperous future for our iwi.

Tīhei mauri ora!

Kei ngā riponga wai o Tūrahiri tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Kiana Ria Renata-Kokiri tōku ingoa. He hekenga tēnei nō Te Tairāwhiti whānui, heoi ko aku waewae he mea tō e taku whānau ki ngā pārae o Manutūkē, ki te pūtake o Rongowhakaata e tau nei!

He mokopuna ahau nō Te Kōhanga Reo, he raukura nō Te Aho Matua, nō Te Kura Kaupapa Māori, waihoki he tamaiti ākona ki te marae tū ana ki te ao, tau ana! E kī ana te kōrero “Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi!” Na ko ahau tēnei e hao mai nei ki runga i te karanga o tēnei taumata e kīa ana ko Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust.

Although young, I have been raised by my grandparents in the village here in Manutūkē, Rongowhakaata with the values and principles of Te Aō Māori, Te Reo me ōna tikanga. My whānau have instilled within me a strong Māori worldview, and my waewae firmly planted on our whenua, in our awa and moana. I am an educated, active rangatahi in the Rongowhakaata space.

I have experience in Governance as a rangatahi. But most of all I am grounded in who I am, understanding from a rangatahi voice in what it means to be ‘Rongowhakaata’ and I aspire to contribute to the work of my ancestors to grow and preserve this for our future generations to come. It is my responsibility.

It is our responsibility to make tipuna decisions for the future of Rongowhakaata.

I was born and raised in Manutūkē. My late father ‘Willie Honk’ built our whānau home opposite the Māori Battalion, where I currently reside. His parents were Bob and Kimi Whaitiri from Papatu Road but dad was raised by his nan, Merekingi Whaitiri known as the ‘Old Quack’ on Whakatō Road. My mum May Whaitiri (nee Robin) raised 5 kids under the age of 7. Her grandmother Reremoana Hakiwai (nee Paratene) was born in Manutuke. She was the sister of Moana Paratene (senior). Both mum and dad played for YMP in netball and rugby as did dad’s parents in rugby and hockey.

In February this year after 10 years in Parliament as the MP for Ikaroa Rāwhiti, I returned home to Manutūkē. My years of governance experience include Chair of Horouta Kohanga Reo in Porirua; Chair of Te Kura Māori o Porirua, Trustee of the Ngā Kaihoe o Aotearoa (National Waka Ama Association), and Chair of Tarewa 4 Ahuwhenua Trust. I have also served as the first General Manager of the Māori Womens’ Welfare League and as Chief Executive of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

My life revolves around my whānau, my two adult sons, and service to our people.

It is with humility and grace that I present myself for the 2024 Election of Trustees Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust.

Occupation: Company director, Chairman and Trustee of various Governance Boards
Ko Puketapu te maunga
Ko Te Arai te awa
Ko Rongowhakaata te iwi

Personal Profile: A motivated self-starter with a proven track record in business management, specific interests in cultural projects and community development. Managed my own private businesses as well as highly complex projects over 30 plus years.

I have continually and consistently completed projects within agreed time frames and budgets up to 10 million (NZD).

Have worked in government departments, non-government organizations and in private sector management roles locally, nationally and internationally.

Holds: Bachelor of Health Studies Degree (BHS), Winston Churchill Fellowship Award recipient, received various art awards, commissions and grants as a carver/sculptor/waka builder.

Current governance roles:

Chairman Waka Voyaging Trust

Director Turanga Health Trustee: Toi Ora Live Arts Trust Kaumatua: Arts Access Aotearoa

Member GDC, Creative Communities committee

Member Kahui Kaumatua Of Rongowhakaata, Ngati Maru, Ngati Ruapani, Ngati Porou, Kahungunu and English descent.

Son of Rahera Rachael Stewart and Frederick Clamp, Grandson of Nepia Te Aturangi Stewart (Te Pāhou Marae) and Merepapapa Tamihana (Whakatō Marae).

Very proud of my Rongowhakaata whakapapa and engages with Te Pāhou Marae meetings and activities. Consistently attends RIT Hui A Iwi and Te Hau Ki Tūranga hui and endeavours to offer constructive comments.

If I am successful in being appointed to RIT, I will use my cultural, community, social, economic development, business management and governance knowledge to assist our Rongowhakaata Iwi.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kia ora whānau whanui

Tamati Moeau = Anahera Toromata Lillian Moeau = Richard Gemmell Marion Gemmell = Rick Paenga

My name is Fleur Paenga, my partner is Willie Donnelly (lucky him), and our children are Torin, Willz and Lily Donnelly. All that I do is for my whanau except for having the odd glass of wine that is all me :)

I work at the Gisborne District Council. After being on the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust (RIT) for a term I would like to continue – why;

• I understand the role RIT plays and I would like to continue to support that progress and growth.

• As a small business owner, I understand the importance of economic development and growth.

• Have been involved with our marae committee for the last 15 years.

• I have over 25 years governance experience being on different school boards and community organisations. I was on the Manutūkē School Board of Trustees from 2007 – 2012, from 2009 – 2011 as the Chair.

• 100% know the difference between governance and operations.

• Am committed to advocating the needs and aspirations of our whānau & marae.

• I have the right skills and values to be a solid candidate to continue to do the do and walk the talk.

• I am committed to growing my cultural capacity so I can manaaki at the back and front.

Your vote will not be wasted.

Ko Sarah Pohatu ahau. I whanau mai i Tūranga. Ka noho au me taku whānau ki Kaiti. I whānau mai toku tipuna koroua a Reverend Turoa Pohatu ki Awapuni Pa. Many of you may know my father Godfrey or my mum Mere, from their work across the Tairāwhiti. I whakapapa to Ngai Tawhiri and Ngāti Kaipoho of Rongowhakaata and connect into Ngai Tāmanuihui, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tahu.

I have a background in the Public Service, having worked in Māori Public Policy and Environment and Cultural Heritage across both central and local government. I am currently developing and delivering environmental strategy in Cyclone Recovery projects, in the region.

I was fortunate enough to have chaired Awapuni Moana Trust and worked alongside our whānau, with a focus on regenerative land development for our place. I will always be involved in the management of whānau land, pockets of which currently sit across Tūranga, including in Manutūkē.

I am offering my kete of skills and connections to support the development of a future that my daughter and my mokopuna can be proud of. I am passionate about our reo and committed to ensuring our tikanga and kawa will thrive into the future.

Ko Tūranga o Mua, ko Tūranga Ararau, ko Tūranga makau rau, ko Tūranga tangata rite! I te taha o te ure tārewa, he mokopuna tēnei o Ngāi Tāwhiri, Ngāti Kaipoho anō hoki. Ā, i te taha o te whare tangata, he mokopuna tēnei o Porourangi.

I grew up surrounded by farmers, shearers and pine trees. As the first in my whānau to complete a bachelors’ degree and with the work ethic I was raised with, I have never shied away from a challenge, nor do I take opportunities lightly, which has led me down paths I never dared dream of as a child.

I’ve have worked in government (specifically Treaty Settlements, and Māori Crown Relations), with government, not-for-profit, privately-owned SMEs and post-settlement governance entities. Across these organisations her work spans capability uplift – identification and management of issues relevant to Māori, and business fundamentals, te Tiriti subject matter to support large scale reform programmes, service design, strategy, and policy and process reviews.

I am a strong believer in evidence and empathy-based decisions.

I value whanaungatanga, honesty and personal responsibility. These values guide my approach to work and my personal life. I’ve spent the last 10 years living in Te Whanganui a Tara, and in the time became aware of my hononga to Rongowhakaata, connected to Taura Here and participated in kaupapa as iwi in residence. I’ve also loved participating in Kura Pō as an additional way to establish and poipoi my taha Rongowhakaata.

Born in Wanganui, raised in Manutūkē, Gisborne. Attended local kohanga at Ōhako Marae, merging into local school at Te kura o Manutūkē. Attended Gisborne Boys High School.

Work History

Working as a labourer in a winery, Manutūkē locally while still attending high school. Moved from Gisborne to Palmerston North to become a painter and decorator. Moved my career as a painter and decorator down to Christchurch. My career encouraged me to study as a trade qualified interior designer, working my career into the infrastructure, construction, commercial and residential sector. Moving forward, I continued my career in Australia.

Now residing back in Manutūkē, Gisborne helping the local community while being a solo father.

“Te whariki o te kawa te putake o te tikanga, Whakaaio taku pononga, taku hoa piripono.”

Born in Manutūkē, I am the youngest child of Horace and Patience Lewis. Raised on the land, I have gained extensive experience across the rural landscape as a farm manager, owner, developer, and employer. This background has given me valuable insights into land management and governance.

With over 30 years of governance experience, I currently chair the Awapuni Moana Whenua Toopu Trust, oversee multiple Ahu Whenua Trusts, and serve as deputy chairman of Ōhako Marae. I also chair the KIWA and Tangata Whenua Reference Groups, both connected to the Tūranganui a Kiwa water quality enhancement project.

From 2018 to 2021, I worked for the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust as a researcher, contributing to historical and resource management projects and working across all Pou of Rongowhakaata. I was heavily involved in external engagement, drawing on my intimate understanding of the entity’s structure and history to ensure the voice of Rongowhakaata voice was represented in key decisions.

I am now self-employed as an environmental consultant, specialising in land use practices and water solutions. I also contribute to the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan review under the Gisborne District Council, helping to reshape rules that impact our natural resources.

I believe strong relationships are fundamental to deriving good outcomes and resolving complex issues. By fostering collaboration and understanding, I aim to ensure that the values, history, and resources of Rongowhakaata are strengthened and safeguarded for future generations.

Tēnā koe, ngā Uri o Rongowhakaata.

I am a current member of the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust board, Chair of Audit Risk & Finance, and the representative on the newly formed Local Leadership Body with GDC. I am also the Chief Financial Officer at Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa and a Chartered Accountant.

The last 3 years have been a period of reset and refocus for the Rongowhakaata Board and Rongowhakaata as a whole. It’s now time for the growth of our physical “seen” assets and our “unseen” assets, which is our enduring resilience, and the capturing and retention of our matauranga hapū me Iwi alongside our rich cultural histories, in a Pataka that can be accessed by whānau into the next 100 years. I envision the next 3 years as a time to grow, not only our commercial wealth, but our wealth as a people. This can be achieved by involving our whānau to provide on the ground practical perspectives and advice, while simultaneously moving our land into commercial growth assets and supporting our Uri in developing their own whenua.

We are heading into lean times for Rongowhakaata Iwi and I don’t refer to the concept of dollar wealth but what Rongowhakaata see as wealth; our language, our marae, and our people, which can be under minded within this changing political landscape.

In this new era, it is time to nourish and bring through our Rangatahi and future leaders, to take us into this new era.

Ngā mihi nui, Connie Maynard

Kia ōra koutou Ko wai au?
Ko au te mokopuna ō Rota raua ko Wairakau (Blossom) Waipara
Ko Poihipi (Bluey) rāua ko Rii tōku mātua E noho ana au i Manutuke.

I am very proud that I am Manutūkē born and bred. Having the privilege of going to school, church and all our marae during this time has defined who I am and given me the strength to take all of those learnings and influences into adulthood and life.

Why am I putting myself forward as a candidate? I am confident that I have the skill and knowledge base to add value to kaupapa and the intentions of what has been laid out by our incumbent board to take Rongowhakaata into the future.

Whilst I spent a few years away from home, I have been here in our hāpori for almost 14 years. Most of that time was spent with our father, balancing work and supporting or facilitating events across Tairāwhiti, but more importantly here at home.

What would I bring to the role? I am currently working for Stats and know how to leverage and utilize that data source to our benefit as well as supporting organizations through allocating putea to support our outcomes. I have worked on National Boards at a governance level. I have a tax background and have supported several businesses in Tairāwhiti. Most important of all is I am Michelle at the marae.

Ko Puketapu tōku maunga Ko Te Ārai tōku awa
Ko Whakatō tōku marae Ko Ngāti Maru tōku hapu
Ko Drina Hawea tōku mama, Ko Tiopira Rauna tōku papa
Ko te wheke o Te Tairawhiti ahau, ko Tania Rina Rauna tōku ingoa.

I’ve had the privilege of living the legacy my parents have left for my sister, and I, working in the service of whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori and our hāpori for almost 30 years. I want to provide opportunities for Whānau to realise their own dreams.

My five beautiful tamariki, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Meritaiakupe, Alan, Manawaru and Tua-ātea have taught me the importance of love, kindness and strength. During times of hardship, they have been my rock and a magical reminder that Whānau come first with lots of dress-ups!

I have always been a passionate child advocate and child trauma specialist. I work for our Tūranga tamariki mokopuna across the social sector with Police, Oranga Tamariki, Courts, MSD, Kainga Ora and Health. When it is necessary I will disrupt the system for our tamariki mokopuna to be kept safe and secure within their own whakapapa.

I’ve been fortunate to work for my Iwi and I see this opportunity as a trustee for Rongowhakaata to connect to and learn more. I want to be able to contribute towards activating the aspirations of our whānau. I’ve been inspired by the approach of the Trust and look forward to contributing towards its future.

Tēnā tātou, my name is Roxanne Smith and I whakapapa to Rongowhakaata through my dad’s parents, Erina Pohatu (nee Smith) and Pappy, Houakiterangi (Rock) Pohatu who lived on the corner of Papatu and Wharerata Road, affectionately known in our whānau as the ‘corner house’.

I am currently an iwi elected trustee. My first term as a trustee has been a significant opportunity to learn more about our tribal lands, investments, taonga and people, and to contribute to decisions that support the future vitality of our mokopuna. I am standing again for nomination as I am proud of the work the Trust has achieved despite many challenges, and I would like to use my learnings to continue to advance the aspirations of the iwi.

I bring a range of governance experience including as the Director of my own research and evaluation company for 15 years; whānau governance roles on behalf of Ngā Uri o Te Kooti Rikirangi Settlement Trust and Te Tira Whakaari Charitable Trust; and as a Board Chair of a kura kaupapa Māori. I believe my skills and experience combined with my commitment to advancing the strategic aspirations of our hapū and whānau align well with the expectations of the trustee role.

I currently live in Rotorua with my partner and four kids. Two attend kura kaupapa Māori and two are students at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato.

Nā reira e te iwi, ngā manaakitanga o te atua ki a tātou katoa.

I am excited to express my candidacy for the Trustee board elections in 2024.

I am a māmā of three boys and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. I whakapapa to Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Maru through my father who is the eldest son of Bessie Tautuhi, who was raised in Manutūkē. Her mother was Rua Tamihana, born to Maraea Paku. As an Iwi- selected trustee since early 2024 for a short term, I have gained valuable insights into the board’s operations and responsibilities and wish to continue contributing to the vitality and aspirations of our iwi.

With a diverse professional background and commitment to our community’s well-being, i believe in the power of collective leadership where everyone feels valued and empowered to determine the pathway ahead. My career has equipped me with skills in relationship building, strategic planning, project execution, and effective communication, enabling me to drive meaningful outcomes through collaboration and transparency.

My education in Kōhanga Reo and bilingual settings has complemented my experience in mainstream environments, fostering my commitment to developing my Ao Māori. I actively volunteer in various roles, from school boards to coaching sports, and I am a foundation member of a branch of Te Roopu Wahine Māori Toko I Te Ora and the chairman of a Kōhanga Reo. My interests include weaving, teaching, research, and wānanga. I look forward to the opportunity to learn, connect and grow within our iwi while serving on the board for a full term, should i be your preferred candidate.