Our people

Daphne is a nationally respected Māori leader with over 25 years of experience driving kaupapa Māori development across economic, health, education, and telecommunications sectors, known for her strategic leadership, deep iwi relationships, and unwavering advocacy for Māori enterprise and self-determination.

Jesse is an accomplished academic and Indigenous management researcher, combining a strong foundation in organisational communication and entrepreneurship with practical leadership across regional economic development, governance, and iwi-led capability building, and is recognised for his work bridging Indigenous knowledges and mainstream business education at both a national and international level.

Narida is a passionate Māori entrepreneur and regional advocate, combining hands-on business experience with governance roles across economic development, education, and environmental restoration, and is recognised for her leadership in championing Māori SMEs and Wāhine Māori collaboration.

Te Rangipai is a dedicated Māori leader in education and youth development, with a strong background in health, trades, and government, recognised for his advocacy and strategic leadership in improving outcomes for rangatahi Māori and connecting them to meaningful pathways in the Māori economy.

Johannah is a product of community. A leader with a background in tribal governance and a Post Graduate Honours degree in Management, recognised for her advocacy across Asia-Pacific Indigenous networks, rangatahi wellbeing, and the revitalisation of language and identity.

Aimee is a creative and community-minded product design engineer with deep experience across business, education, and kaupapa Māori development, committed to driving sustainable solutions and thriving outcomes for Māori communities through innovation and whānau-centred leadership.

Herani is a visionary Māori business leader grounded in her Ngāti Toa upbringing, bringing a wealth of entrepreneurial and governance experience, a passion for community wellbeing, and a strategic eye for connecting Māori businesses to opportunities that foster thriving whānau and a resilient Māori economy.

Shane is a kaupapa-driven leader with deep iwi and hapū roots, bringing extensive experience in governance, operations, and kaupapa tuku iho-based development, and is widely respected for his ability to connect people, policy, and practice across Māori health, education, business, and whānau ora in the Kapiti-Horowhenua and wider region.

Te Rau is a highly respected legal and public sector leader with a distinguished career in executive government roles, governance across iwi and national institutions, and a deep commitment to Māori knowledge and advancement through both policy and thought leadership.

Trevor is a highly respected Māori leader, strategist and cultural steward with deep experience across public, private, and iwi sectors, known for his visionary work in indigenous development, Crown–Māori relations, and building intergenerational capability, culture, and connection within Aotearoa and globally.

Kathleen is a distinguished thought leader in Māori education and economic development, renowned in the Wellington region and nationally for her strategic influence, kaupapa Māori scholarship, and tireless advocacy for equity, innovation, and Māori-led transformation across communities and institutions.

Jesse leads Te Matarau a Māui as Executive Chair, driving the organisation's strategy, partnerships, and programmes across Te Ūpoko o Te Ika. He brings expertise in Māori economic development, research, and governance, and is committed to building systems that enable Māori businesses and communities to thrive on their own terms.

Vanessa brings deep experience in governance, project management, and community leadership to Te Matarau. She is Director of Pō Pīata Limited and holds governance roles across the health and Māori community sectors, with strong ties to Māori business networks throughout Te Ūpoko o Te Ika.