Te Arawa Lakes Trust has announced the appointment of Wallace Haumaha as Chairman and Te Ururoa Flavell as Deputy Chairman.
Haumaha was the former Deputy Chief Executive of Māori and Commissioner of the New Zealand Police. He’s had an extensive background in public service and community leadership.
He was given the new role on his own marae at the trusts first hui within Ngāti Ngāraranui in its 100 year history.
“I feel very humbled and privileged to follow in the footsteps of many great Te Arawa Leaders, who devoted their time and energy on the Board to support the well being of our people. I want to ensure that the mana and legacy they left is not lost on preparing the next generation of Te Arawa to accommodate the needs of our people.
“Together, we will honour our past, strengthen our present, and empower future generations. Our focus will be on fostering unity, transparent governance, and sustainable growth to benefit our iwi and all its members,” says Haumaha.
Stepping into the Deputy Chairman role is Flavell, who was the co-leader of Te Pāti Māori [then Māori Party] between 2013 and 2018, during his time in parliament he was the Minister of Māori Development between 2014 and 2017.
“I deem it a huge honour and privilege to serve on the Board where my grandfather and uncle held prominent positions. With our new chair, Wallace and I are looking forward to leading our Board in addressing the key challenges we face,“ says Flavell.
The Trust’s Board of Trustees has expressed confidence in the leadership of Haumaha and Flavell, and welcomed the appointments.
“Their combined expertise, deep connection to Te Arawa and passion for our lakes will drive us forward,” says Kawatapuārangi representative Annette Sykes
The duo will be primarily focusing on financial stability, strengthening partnerships, advancing the environmental sustainability of the trust’s roto moana, and ensuring that the voices of Te Arawa hapū and iwi are at the forefront of all decision-making.
