Trustees

Every member of our board of trustees is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our whānau, hapū and iwi.

Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organisation.

Ngaire Tauhara-White

Chairperson

Ngaire Tauhara-White (Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa) has vast governance and management experience in the education sector. She is passionate about te reo me ōna tikanga and technology. Residing in Peria and reflecting often on the teachings of kaumātua and her upbringing on the marae, Ngaire continues to be an active member of the church and marae and engaged with various committees. Ngaire is a co-claimant for WAI1842 before the Waitangi Tribunal.
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Ngawaiata Evans

Vice-Chairperson

Ngawaiata Evans (Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu) has an extensive background in education including roles as Acting Tumuaki and Deputy Principal. Former roles and responsibilities include analysing Te Reo Māori data sets, transcribing Māori audio, kapa haka, Ngā Manu Kōrero and a range of sporting and community activities. Ngāwaiata enjoys collaboration and inclusive decision-making and is passionate about creating a brighter future for uri of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga through the provision of educational programmes.
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Selwyn Reihana Trustee

Trustee

Selwyn Reihana (Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu) is a member of Te Hiku Fisheries Forum and the Regulation 50 authorisation issuer for Kauhanga Marae. Selwyn is a current trustee of Ngāti Kahu Station 438 Ahu Whenua Trust, St Barnabas Church Trust, All Saints Church Trust, Kingi and Hineraketi Reihana Whānau Trust and Kauhanga Marae Reservation Trust of which he is the Chairman. He is also the Kauhanga Marae delegate to Tai Tokerau District Māori Council. Selwyn is a founding member of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust Board.
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Susan Peters

Trustee

Susan Peters (Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu) BSW, is currently employed by Oranga Tamariki. Having worked in kōhanga reo, whānau trusts and marae committees Susan has over 15 years’ experience in administration. Susan is a trustee of the Parapara Marae Māori Reservation Trust, Matakairiri (Taipā) Marae Trust, Parapara Church Trust, Te Uri o Finlayson Henare rāua ko Moutini Marchia Poharama Whānau Trust and secretary for Kauhanga Marae Committee. Susan is a founding member of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust Board.
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Tania Abrams Trustee

Trustee

Tania Abrams (Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) is a graduate of The University of Waikato gaining her Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours). She is currently employed as a Solicitor in Waikato. Tania’s core competencies include strong communication skills, the ability to analyse and critique various mediums and problem solving. Tania is passionate about supporting her whanau, hapu and iwi and acts on various trusts and boards. Tania is a returning trustee.
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Sophie Tauhara

Trustee

Sophie Tauhara (Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine) PGDip Māori and Pacific Development, consults at Pukenga Consultancy Ltd providing strategic advice and perspective in the area of health and disability. Sophie Chairs the Patient, Whanau Centred Care Board at Counties Manukau District Health Board and is also a Consumer Council member. Other roles include Chair for the Opapaki Ahu Whenua Trust, member of Kahui Iti and secretary of Te Hokinga Mai, Te Roopu Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora Branch, Tamaki Makaurau.
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Christian Seumanu

Trustee

(Te Paatu, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine) Ka aro atu te ihu o ngā kōrero kia rātou te hunga ko mōnehunehutia, tēnei mātou te tangi apakura kia koutou, haere haere haere atu rā. Ko Christian Seumanu tōku ingoa. He uri whakaheke tēnei nō Te Kauhanga. E manako nui ana ahau ki ngā tini take o te wā, me ngā kaupapa e hāngai pū ana ki te hapū. E whakapae ana ahau mā te mahi tahi me te whakaaro tahi ka tutuki ngā whainga me ngā wawata katoa. Kia mahara tātou ki te mana me te mauri hoki o te kaupapa nei.

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