Pānui #002
Tēnā koutou ngā uri o Ngāti Pāoa,
Nau mai haere mai! Welcome to the second Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust Newsletter. This is to help keep you up to date about what NPIT have been doing, and how you can get involved. To stay connected, up to date, and informed about NPIT mahi then please click here to subscribe/
Nominations to fill three vacant Trustee positions on the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust closed on Friday 22 July 2022. Three iwi members were nominated and as such, no voting is required.
The new trustees will be formally appointed to the board on the 25th September 2022, however will join the induction process over the coming weeks
Kia hiwa rā, kua kitea he kaitiaki hōu mō te poari o Ngāti Paoa,
Ko Kerrin Leoni
Kia ora, my name is Kerrin Leoni and I whakapapa to the Wikiriwhi-Pokaitara line (Thompson Whanau) of Ngati Paoa.
I believe I have the credentials and governance experience to serve as a good board member for the Ngati Paoa Iwi Trust. I am a member of the Waitematā Local Board (elected member). I am a part of the roopu Ngā Uri o Ngāti Paoa Ki Waiheke which works towards building our relationship with the Waiheke local community, so we can focus on how we can protect and regenerate the Waiheke marine environment as mana whenua to the island. In addition I am also an active member of my other Iwi which focus on bringing Iwi members together in Auckland.
I am founder of charitable organization Mana Aroha providing global experiences and employment for Maori and Pacific Island rangatahi. I have a degree in Maori Development with a Social Services major and two Masters. The first being in Youth Development and the second in International politics and economics. As a mother of five year old twins I am motivated to contribute to the future of Ngati Paoa.
Ko Mystique Townsend
My name is Mystique Townsend I’m from Glenbrook south of Auckland . I’m a mother of 3 young children and work as a coordinator in the Motorhome industry. My tane and I enjoy spending our spare time on our small Lifestyle block making improvements. Being a descendant of Paoa (through my mothers side and my nana Hera Hikaiti Paul) I feel privileged to have the opportunity to join the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust.
My aim is to be approachable for our iwi members to have their concerns heard and ensure to take an active approach on these concerns. Protecting the mahi of our tupuna and us their descendants is of upmost importance to me . Most recently experiencing the humble fight to protect Putiki bay on Waiheke island has only reinforced the drive we need to continually have for our iwi. Proactivity and having an awesome attitude are my key strengths. A good listener who is reasonable and fair would be highly suited, to ensure our goals as an iwi are effectively achieved, fortunately I can raise my hand to that. Most people around me would describe me as being “down to earth” and “on to it”, I would love to bring my skills and personality to the Ngati Paoa iwi trust as a trustee.
Ko Tui Tawera
Ko Rataroa te maunga, ko Puukorokoro te awa, ko Tiikapa te moana, ko Makomako te marae, ko Ngāti Pāoa te iwi. Ko Tui Tawera tooku ingoa.
Growing up in Kaiaua Tui attended Hauraki Plains College until her whānau moved to Tāmaki Makaurau in her late teens. She has been a primary and intermediate teacher for over 12 years in South and East Auckland. Her leadership skills and maatauranga Māori are key strengths she provides through an educational setting as well as to her whānau.
Tui received a tono from her whānau and accepted the nomination to be a voice for her whānau, marae and hapū as a trustee. Tui holds a bachelor of Education which she obtained from the University of Auckland, along with a Post graduate diploma in Māori and Indigenous studies. She is passionate about the revitalisation of te reo Māori and continues to develop her knowledge of te reo Māori by attending wānanga and kura reo. Tui is passionate about the development of and improving outcomes for our people and ensuring they are adequately supported. In her career, she leads the Māori unit at the intermediate she works at and supports other staff to upskill their understanding of Te Ao. She is a part of the Kaahui Ako where she works alongside a collective of teachers towards ensuring positive outcomes for tauira Māori.
Tui is a current trustee for her Marae in Waikato and although new to governance, she is eager to learn and share her experiences and whakaaro. If elected, Tui is committed to her role and is ready for the new challenge to provide for her Iwi. She is strongly supported by her extended whānau who are proud and know her input to the trust will be valuable.
E mihi ana ki a rātou
