Ngāti Rangi has refreshed its governance board, Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi, to advance the aspirations of the iwi set out in its settlement legislation, Rukutia Te Mana.
Tomairangi Mareikura has been announced as the new Chair, supported by deputy Chair, Dr Rāwiri Tinirau.
On Sunday four new members were also elected - Dr Hinurewa Poutu, Elijah Pue, Ngapera Akapita and recently elected Chair of the tribal Runanga; Te Kāhui o Paerangi, Troy Brown.
Tomairangi Mareikura and Dr Rāwiri Tinirau were reelected, with current Te Pae Tuara member Olive Hawira, continuing.
Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi is the Ngāti Rangi post settlement-governance entity and provides overall strategic direction and governance to the Ngāti Rangi Group.
Tomairangi Mareikura said it was an honour to continue her service to Ngāti Rangi.
“I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have provided me with the experience to chair the Board. I am deeply committed to Ngāti Rangi being served by a versatile, resilient, and dynamic entity, one that inspires success and fosters intergenerational growth. I welcome the fresh energy and youthful vigour of our refreshed board and am excited for the challenges ahead.”
Tomairangi first joined the Ngāti Rangi Trust in 2016 through Te Kāhui o Paerangi and later became an establishment Trustee of Te Totarahoe o Paerangi when it was formed in 2018.
She has also chaired the iwi’s commercial entity, Te Kumete o Paerangi which preserves and grows settlement assets since 2019, which has been a privilege, she said.
“Our celebrations are however, tinged with the inevitable sadness in farewelling outgoing members of the Board: Deb Te Riaki, Sarah Reo, Sarah Rae and our much loved Chair, Whetu Moataane. We know that their legacy will provide an important foundation to take into the future.
Tōtarahoe is a term for the outer part of the forest that acts as a windbreak for the rākau rangatira and their young, she said.
“I see this as a critical role for the new board as we advance forward – to protect our gains and defend our settlement.”