New members bring youth and experience to board
The body in charge of the Treaty settlement arm of wider Wairarapa iwi has appointed a blend of experience and youth to its board.
Sonya Rimene and Marise Kerehi Stuart have been appointed to the Tu Mai Ra Investments Board, joining at the board’s hui this month.
The board is an arm of the Rangitane Tu Mai Ra Trust, set up in 2014 to receive and administer assets given to Rangitane o Wairarapa and Rangitane o Tamaki nui-a-rua (Rangitane).
Rangitane signed its deed to settlement with the Crown in
August 2016.
Rimene, already a trustee with the Rangitane Tu Mai Ra Trust, has 20 years of experience as a director, including with
Wairarapa Moana Incorporation.
She has more than 25 years in central government roles, including Maori development.
She said she was passionate about Rangitane whanau, hapu and iwi. ‘‘The role is exciting, particularly being able to lead innovative solutions and opportunities to meet and grow the aspirations and dreams of our people.’’
Stuart, a former Wairarapa College head prefect, was awarded a Fulbright scholarship last year to attend Harvard Medical School.
She is working with Nobel Prize laureate Professor Amartya Sen on challenges to Maori economic development, and led Ngapuhi’s coronavirus response strategy.
She said she wanted to uphold the legacy created by Rangitane’s ancestors, so future generations could flourish.
Ta Mai Ra Investments chairman Richard Jones said the new board members brought skill, experience and insight. ‘‘Their energy and focus will be great for forging the aspirations and mahi of the board.’’