Manaaki Energy
Board of Directors
Chair, DNZM CBE President Māori Women’s Welfare League 1993-96, Human Rights Commissioner 1996-2001, Waitangi Tribunal Member 2001–2006, Former Chair Māori Women’s Development Fund, chair several land trusts.
DAME ARETA KOOPU
DAME IRITANA TAWHIWHIRANGI DNZM MBE,
Patron, Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, Former Chair and founding Board member. Dame Iritana has been the driving force behind the growth of the Kohanga into its role today as the cornerstone of the Te Reo Māori movement.
RAUKURA HUATA
Secretary to the Board, is former National Partnerships and Sales Manager for Māori Television, now an engagement specialist producing pathways for Māori engagement with government.
Deputy Chair, has been leading and championing the Presbyterian Church in their Mana Orite partnership with Mana Whenua. Rev McDonald has pioneered a community based approach to her ministry and has been fondly embraced by the Cook Islands community.
THE REVEREND JILL MCDONALD
DR KEN KENNEDY
Iwi Leader and Senior spokesman for Te Arawa and its representative to the Kingitanga Tekau Ma Rua, advisory board to King Tuheitia. Board member of Te Arawa Fisheries, Te Arawa Holdings Ltd, Te Puia Māori Arts and Craft Centre and Te Taumata. Chair, Ngāti Rangiteaorere Iwi Authority, Chair, Ngāti Wahiao – Tūhourangi, Whakarewarewa Tribal Collective, Te Whakaruruhau o Te Arawa Deputy Chairman.
HINEMOA AWATERE
Hinemoa is an accomplished steward leader, specialising in behavioural and interpersonal communication, governance and public and private investments. An experienced director and people leader with a focus on innovation and excellence. Strategic and proactive, with a commitment to circular economy design for a climate resilient future. Hinemoa has a wealth of experience in agencies to integrate Māori perspectives and to facilitate successful relationships with hapū and Māori groups.
TAMATI CAIRNS
Tamati is former chair of the Pouakani Trust, the Waikato River Trust, Te Upoko o Te Ika Radio, Legal Executive, NZ Māori Council, Tūhoe Fisheries and is a foundng trustee of The Tūhoe Trust Board. He currently sits on the Waiohiki Marae Trust and the NZ Maori Council Executive.
DONNA AWATERE HUATA
Donna is the Founder of Manaaki Energy and Interim CEO.
She brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the Manaaki team. With an extensive career in both the public and private sectors, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to sustainability, environmental advocacy, and the empowerment of Māori communities.