Our Directors

Te Wai Māori is a Charitable Trust (Te Wai Māori Trust) and is governed by a corporate trustee – Te Wai Māori Trustee Limited.

Te Wai Māori has a board of three directors and three alternate directors who are each appointed for a four-year term, with a maximum of two terms. The directors are responsible for approving the strategic outlook of the organisation and ensure the goals and objectives are implemented. Te Wai Māori directors follow a Charter of Corporate Governance, Best Practice, and a Code of Ethics.

Rawiri Faulkner
Rawiri FaulknerChair
Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngai Te Rangi
Donna Flavell
Donna FlavellDirector
Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruapani
Pahia Turia
Pahia TuriaDirector
Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa, Whanganui, Ngā Rauru and Ngāti Tuwharetoa
Ian Ruru
Ian RuruAlternate Director
Te Aitanga ā Māhaki, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tai, Te Whakatōhea
Erina Watene
Erina WateneAlternate Director
Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāi Te Rangi
Maria Nepia
Maria NepiaAlternate Director
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Rakaipaaka

Our Staff

Te Wai Māori is made up of a team of dedicated management and policy staff who work tirelessly to carry out our mandate under the Deed of Settlement. Please see below for information on each.

Carly O'Connor
Carly O'ConnorWai Puna | Manager
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Vanessa Tipoki
Vanessa TipokiWai Tere | Principal Advisor
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa