Our Team

David has over twenty five years import / export business experience. He is a successful business owner of a East Tamaki based company that provides high quality kitchens into the New Zealand market.  David is also involved in the property market and brings both strong experience and international business networks to the group.

Peter is of Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Kahungunu and Te Arawa descent. He lives in Hawai’i and is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. Peter is known for his work in, and advocacy for, indigenous human rights, ʻlocalized’ expressions of social work, economic justice, and community development, advisory and action groups.

Peter was a lead architect in the drafting of the Indigenous Social Work Resolution on the Inclusion of Indigenous Voices submitted to the International Federation of Social Workers and United Nations in 2013. He has authored several articles related to Indigenous research, economics and social entrepreneurship, maleness and masculinity, resilience, resistance and sustainability. Peter holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s degree in sociology, and, earned his doctoral degree in Social Policy and Social Work from Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. He co-chairs the World Indigenous Nations Universities – Hawaii Pasifika (WINU-HP), a non-profit organization focused on the advancement of Indigenous education. Peter serves on several editorial committees.

Merliza has a bachelor-degree in education and is an experienced home educator and is passionate about developing people through life-long learning. She has worked for an international tele-communications company based in Asia as executive assistant for the CEO and managed sales and administration teams. 

Her passion is working with high and special needs youth and adults across a broad range of cultures and beliefs. She spent two years as a house parent for youth and young adults living with autism, epilepsy, ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, and bi-polar disorder. She is MAPPA qualified and speaks several languages including Makaton sign language.

Merliza is also a practitioner of plant, herbal remedies, and natural medicine. She has been mentoring youth and adults over the past decade coming from various backgrounds and ethnicities.

Merliza lives in Tauranga with her husband and twelve-year-old daughter. 

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Malcolm Akuhata-Brown is of Whanau A Hinerupe, Ruataupare, Ruawaiapu, Ngati Porou and Raukawa descent. 

He is Kaiarahi, Tumuaki and Co-Founder of Te Mana Pono O Te Rangatira Leadership Foundation Trust, established in 2008 to support our young men navigate life as sound leaders. Our organisation came under exciting new leadership in 2019 giving birth to many new strands within our kaupapa making us a more effective service provider in the space of Rangatahi support services for ages 16-25.

In addition to this role, he is Whanau Services Director for Mātou Kāinga Māori Housing & Development Initiative set up to help Māori own their own homes.  

Malcolm built a forty year career in the Social Services, Justice, Mental Health and Vocational Training sectors, 23 years at the coal face working with people and families facing a wide range of problems needing support at various degrees of risk. A further 17 years at executive management level, recruiting and leading teams within the same spaces, but also time spent on research projects driven by Correction Services, that saw him engage with prisons and people incarcerated for a wide range of crimes. This part of his career extended to research projects with the University of Waikato Psychology Dept and Waikato Māori Mental Health Service. 

He has worked as a self-employed Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant commissioned through the ACC, the nature of this work being very close to his own immediate family, having raised two of his five children who have Sipna bifida and Type 1 diabetes. 

Malcolm's wife of 25 years is a highly qualified healthcare professional , performing in roles that have seen her consult at an international level. He lives in Kirikiriroa with his wonderful Wahine Toa and five remarkable children. 

After 25 years in Australia, Benjamin returned home with a deep commitment to supporting his community through meaningful housing and infrastructure initiatives. He also has recent experience developing social housing for Wairoa Whānau within the Kainga Ora housing model. 

He is a Trustee of Te Wairoa Tapokorau Whānui and serves as an adviser to several iwi and non-iwi organisations across the Tūwharetoa, Auckland, and Ngāpuhi regions. In addition to his leadership roles, Benji is a member of the Wairoa Golf Club and contributes to a number of private whānau-owned property and investment entities.

Benji’s professional background spans high-level leadership and entrepreneurship. He previously founded and managed a successful data analytics company, served at a National Distribution Level for a global alcohol brand, and owned a $20 million revenue seafood import and distribution business in Melbourne. His experience includes managing large teams, delivering multimillion-dollar projects, and developing strategic pathways that prioritise inclusive and values-based outcomes.

With a strong focus on housing equity, community development, and strategic planning, Benji brings a blend of corporate acumen and grassroots connection. His ability to engage across sectors, navigate complex challenges, and champion local voices positions him as a key contributor to regional development in Wairoa and beyond.

He is especially passionate about ensuring that every Kiwi has the opportunity to own a home and is eager to support local organisations in achieving sustainable, community-driven solutions.

David has over twenty five years import / export business experience. He is a successful business owner of a East Tamaki based company that provides high quality kitchens into the New Zealand market.  David is also involved in the property market and brings both strong experience and international business networks to the group.

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Grendon is of Ngai Tuhoe, Ngāti Awa, Aitanga-A-Hauiti, Ngāti Porou, descent and has fifteen years international experience putting together major ventures involving bluechip companies expanding their brand coverage into new and emerging markets, increasing and sustaining EDBITA growth in dynamic and fast-track environments. Since 2000 he has advocated social enterprise and entrepreneurship drawing upon sound business techniques and private sector approaches to find solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues and challenges.

Grendon has proven achievements within the construction and property development industries with a career that started working for top tier international companies owned by General Electric Company (GEC), Exxon Mobil, Marconi Commerce Systems International and the BTR Nylex Group. In 1991 he started a construction company in collaboration with Gilbarco Australia Limited providing complex design, build, project management and construction services to blue-chip companies across numerous industry sectors, establishing strong relationships with global manufacturing and distribution companies based in Europe, USA and Asia.

He also has accumulated knowledge and experience in Māori, Pasifika and Mainstream social services, education & training, health & wellbeing, not for profit and ICT sectors. He has a number of board and committee postings focused on Youth & Family Services, Business Enterprise, Technology sector in Aotearoa and abroad. He has worked with victims, rescipients of homelessness, residential sustainable tenancies, mental health & physical diabilities, crimingenic behaviour and environments, alcohol & drug addiction, gangs, and suicide.

Grendon founded this collective to help solve the Māori housing crisis. 

Fletcher Tabuteau BMS, Dip. Bus, Grad Dip Teaching.

Fletcher Tabuteau joined our governance board in December 2022 and is proudly Te Arawa, Ngati Ngararanui, Ngati Rangiwewehi and Ngati Whakaue. Fletcher brings a diverse set of experience and skills to the governance board.

Fletcher's most recent work involved regional economic engagement with Datacom as an Economic and Transformation Advisor. "One of the great projects involved creating a Maori economic entity to offer digital services to Government and corporate clients, all based in Rotorua." 

Significantly for the Mana Tapiri Group Fletcher joins our board with first-hand experience in Māori economic Development, both as a consultant and as the former Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development in the coalition government of the 51st Parliament. This role, similar to that of associate minister, was one of engagement with community and business. Significantly it also required constant oversite of ministry execution of the Provisional Growth Funds objectives.

Fletcher comes from an education background. He was a teacher and Dean for a decade at Rotorua Boys' High School and Head of Faculty of the Business School at Waiariki Polytechnic, now Toi Ohomai where he also lectured Economics. During his time at both these Rotorua institutions he was also a NZ Business Mentor giving his spare time to local businesses in their efforts to prosper.

Fletcher has been with his wife Karen for 27 years, they have two children, Morgan and Jaime.

Malcolm (Akuhata) Brown is of Whanau A Hinerupe, Ruataupare, Ruawaiapu, Ngati Porou and Raukawa descent. 

He is Kaiarahi, Tumuaki and Co-Founder of Te Mana Pono O Te Rangatira Leadership Foundation Trust, established in 2008 to support our young men navigate life as sound leaders. Our organisation came under exciting new leadership in 2019 giving birth to many new strands within our kaupapa making us a more effective service provider in the space of Rangatahi support services for ages 16-25.

In addition to this role, he is Whanau Services Director for Mātou Kāinga Māori Housing & Development Initiative set up to help Māori own their own homes.  
 

Malcolm built a forty year career in the Social Services, Justice, Mental Health and Vocational Training sectors, 23 years at the coal face working with people and families facing a wide range of problems needing support at various degrees of risk. A further 17 years at executive management level, recruiting and leading teams within the same spaces, but also time spent on research projects driven by Correction Services, that saw him engage with prisons and people incarcerated for a wide range of crimes. This part of his career extended to research projects with the University of Waikato Psychology Dept and Waikato Māori Mental Health Service. 

He has worked as a self-employed Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant commissioned through the ACC, the nature of this work being very close to his own immediate family, having raised two of his five children who have Sipna bifida and Type 1 diabetes. 

Malcolm's wife of 25 years is a highly qualified healthcare professional , performing in roles that have seen her consult at an international level. He lives in Kirikiriroa with his wonderful Wahine Toa and five remarkable children. 

A proud wife and Mama to six tamariki ranging in age from 10 through to 28 with 3 mokopuna, Ariana’s whakapapa connects her to Rongomaiwahine, Ngati Kahungungu, Ngati Turumakina and Ngati Whakaue.

Currently residing in the heart of Te Arawa – Rotorua, Arianas’ current mahi is as the Iwi Coordinator for the Te Arawa Housing Accord. As a kaupapa driven wahine, this mahi aligns with her values and enables her to continue walking in the path of those who have come before her. Her contribution to the Public and Community sectors spans more than two decades across Australasia, including roles in Event Management, Youth Service, Business Development and Employment and Recruitment. As the Founder and Managing Director of Te Oha Training and Employment, Ariana believes in the strength of sustainable employment as a vehicle to whanau achieving their dreams and aspirations. Te Oha was built on the foundation of whanau and is held up by the pou of Manaakitanga, Aroha, Tika and Pono – being true to oneself, truthful to others, loving with open arms and caring for the world around us – starting with us.

At home Ariana is “mum” “nanny” “grandma” “sis” or “girl” – she is a staunch and unapologetic advocate for social justice, doing the right thing and creating safe spaces for whanau and mokopuna voice. She is a day 1 Warriors supporter, loves a good action movie and is most proud of her greatest achievement in life – her whanau.

Jeremy Eves graduated from AUT with a bachelor's degree in communication with a subsequent 23 years of experience as a successful business owner. During this time, he has learned important skills from various industries, such as managing up to 200 staff as security for private and public events and functions, providing asset management for road maintenance contracts in Auckland and has owned a construction company for 15 years, where he has a history of new builds, apartment builds, maintenance contracts and tiny homes.

Of Samoan descent, Jeremy strives to do his best to provide for those in his local and wider communities to excel by providing employment opportunities through trades employment and apprenticeships, as well as being a part of numerous charitable organisations.

As a father of 9 children, Jeremy sets an example of maintaining a high work ethic as well as being actively involved in the training of athletics for youth and upcoming athletes. Jeremy also coaches his local junior Rugby team.

Jeremy brings an entrepreneurial flair to our collective and his passion for technology, innovation and problem solving is highly respected across our teams. 

Merliza has a bachelor-degree in education and is an experienced home educator and is passionate about developing people through life-long learning. She has worked for an international tele-communications company based in Asia as executive assistant for the CEO and managed sales and administration teams. 

Her passion is working with high and special needs youth and adults across a broad range of cultures and beliefs. She spent two years as a house parent for youth and young adults living with autism, epilepsy, ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, and bi-polar disorder. She is MAPPA qualified and speaks several languages including Makaton sign language.

Merliza is also a practitioner of plant, herbal remedies, and natural medicine. She has been mentoring youth and adults over the past decade coming from various backgrounds and ethnicities.

Merliza lives in Tauranga with her husband and twelve-year-old daughter. 

Malcolm Akuhata-Brown is of Whanau A Hinerupe, Ruataupare, Ruawaiapu, Ngati Porou and Raukawa descent. 

He is Kaiarahi, Tumuaki and Co-Founder of Te Mana Pono O Te Rangatira Leadership Foundation Trust, established in 2008 to support our young men navigate life as sound leaders. Our organisation came under exciting new leadership in 2019 giving birth to many new strands within our kaupapa making us a more effective service provider in the space of Rangatahi support services for ages 16-25.

In addition to this role, he is Whanau Services Director for Mātou Kāinga Māori Housing & Development Initiative set up to help Māori own their own homes.  
 

Malcolm built a forty year career in the Social Services, Justice, Mental Health and Vocational Training sectors, 23 years at the coal face working with people and families facing a wide range of problems needing support at various degrees of risk. A further 17 years at executive management level, recruiting and leading teams within the same spaces, but also time spent on research projects driven by Correction Services, that saw him engage with prisons and people incarcerated for a wide range of crimes. This part of his career extended to research projects with the University of Waikato Psychology Dept and Waikato Māori Mental Health Service. 

He has worked as a self-employed Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant commissioned through the ACC, the nature of this work being very close to his own immediate family, having raised two of his five children who have Sipna bifida and Type 1 diabetes. 

Malcolm's wife of 25 years is a highly qualified healthcare professional , performing in roles that have seen her consult at an international level. He lives in Kirikiriroa with his wonderful Wahine Toa and five remarkable children. 

Alvin Brown is of Whanau A Hinerupe, Ruataupare, Ruawaiapu, Ngati Porou, Raukawa, Ngapuhi, Te Roroa and Te Aupouri descent. He has a combined ten (10) years’ experience in photography, videography, graphic design, IT and ICT. He has worked with various organisations including the Waikato, Lakes and Tairawhiti District Health Boards. Alvin played an integral role in setting up the Hapu Wānanga kaupapa across these Districts, responsible for producing all the photographic and videos footage and co-designing their Hapu Wānanga Midlands Curriculum.

He also contracts regularly to Waikato and Pure New Zealand Tourism, shooting campaign content for their social media publications. Alvin is chairperson for Te Mana Pono's Rangatahi Council Committee.

Steve is of Ngāti Porou descent and lives in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) with his whānau, where he has spent the majority of his upbringing and working life.  His whānau have whakapapa links to Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu and Tainui.  

Steve is currently working for a government organisation on a work programme that will produce new-build housing solutions in selected regions. He is employed as a design and construction project manager, plus specialising in developing partnering- relationships with iwi. 

Steve enjoys all aspects of whenua and residential housing and is excited about progressing planning for a papakānga development with members of his own whānau who share this moemoeā (dream).  He is a trustee for the whānau forestry block ‘up the Coast’, which deeply aligns with some of his core values of kaitiakitanga and tino rangatiratanga. 

With formal training in education and hauora, Steve’s earlier career was spent working on the frontline before moving into management positions for community, NGO organisations and private companies.  The combination of directly working with whānau and being responsible for management of resources has given Steve a deep understanding and appreciation of resources.  Steve has built-up a diverse network of relationships that he nurtures and is enthusiastic to share in connecting others.
 
Steve will hold a lifelong passion and involvement with sport.  Whilst his time and energy these days is devoted to his children and mokopuna’s pursuits, he is developing a partnered business interest that is looking to create pathways for success of young athletes from vulnerable backgrounds so they can participate at elite events by reducing the barrier of financial costs.

Owen Rutherford Lloyd is a seasoned leader in governance and management and is highly qualified within the sector our organisation operates in which is Youth Support Services.

He has a military career spanning twenty eight years serving in the NZ Army and currently serves as the Portfolio Manager for Mental Health – Funding and Planning at Tairawhiti District Health helping to administer and manage $20 Million dollars of Mental health and addictions contracts for the Tairawhiti Region. Prior to this role he was Cultural Advisor to Infant, child and adolescent mental health service (ICAMHS) providing cultural input of the Maori world view and support to clinical and management staff of the ICAMH service at Hauora Tairawhiti (Tairawhiti Hospital). He has over twenty - five years contract negotiation and management experience and currently leads treaty settlement negotiations for his tribal affiliations. He is chairperson for The Tairawhiti Maori Council and member of Negotiator Treaty Claims – (Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi Iwi) Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi Tribunal Claims Committee (chair) 1993 - Present. Ngati Porou Whanui Forest Board of Directors. Tairawhiti District Maori Council, Minister of Maori affairs Joint Advisory Groups (Maori Wardens Project), Tairawhiti Maori Wardens Strategic Leadership Group, Tairawhiti Police Advisory Group (Te Aitanga a Mahaki Representative) and Tairawhiti Voyaging Trust (Waka Build.

Previous memberships include;

NZ Council of Social Services (Chair), Te Aitanga a Mahaki Trust (trustee), Gisborne Council of Social Services Executive,

Whatatutu Primary School BOT (Chair), Maori Cultural Advisor, NZ Guidelines Group Suicide Prevention Project, Managaotane Trust (Chair), Te Kupenga Trust (Chair), Tairawhiti Youth Offending Teams, Regional Leadership Group Whanau ora (Vice Chair), Chair Truancy Services, Ministerial Appointed Steering Group (Government/Community)(Relationship Agreement), Chairman Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi (Social Services ITO), Chairman Treaty Claims Collective – Turanga Manu- Whiriwhiri

(Turanga wide Collective), Chairman Treaty Claims Collective - Te Pou a Haokai (Te Aitanga a Mahaki Collective), Chairman Patutahi School Board of Trustee, Chairman Muriwai School Board of Trustee, Chairman Turanga FM development working party, Chairman Local Maori Newspaper development Working Party, Chairman Gisborne Safer Community Council, Chairman Tairawhiti Healthcare Strategic Management Team, New Zealand Guidelines Group (Deputy Chair), Member – Maori Liaison Group to Gisborne District Council, Member – Local Church Leadership Team, Director Public Relations Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Strengthening Families Committee Drug out of Schools Committee, Inter - Denominational Chaplaincy Service Gisborne Enterprise Agency, Tairawhiti Maori Community Health Committee, New Zealand Health & Disability Facilities Standard Committee, New Zealand National Dyspepsia Core Committee, Tairawhiti Healthcare Quality & Risk Management Committee Gisborne Small Business Enterprise and Trustee Mangaotane Farm Trust (Chair).

After 25 years in Australia, Benjamin returned home with a deep commitment to supporting his community through meaningful housing and infrastructure initiatives. He also has recent experience developing social housing for Wairoa Whānau within the Kainga Ora housing model. 

He is a Trustee of Te Wairoa Tapokorau Whānui and serves as an adviser to several iwi and non-iwi organisations across the Tūwharetoa, Auckland, and Ngāpuhi regions. In addition to his leadership roles, Benji is a member of the Wairoa Golf Club and contributes to a number of private whānau-owned property and investment entities.

Benji’s professional background spans high-level leadership and entrepreneurship. He previously founded and managed a successful data analytics company, served at a National Distribution Level for a global alcohol brand, and owned a $20 million revenue seafood import and distribution business in Melbourne. His experience includes managing large teams, delivering multimillion-dollar projects, and developing strategic pathways that prioritise inclusive and values-based outcomes.

With a strong focus on housing equity, community development, and strategic planning, Benji brings a blend of corporate acumen and grassroots connection. His ability to engage across sectors, navigate complex challenges, and champion local voices positions him as a key contributor to regional development in Wairoa and beyond.

He is especially passionate about ensuring that every Kiwi has the opportunity to own a home and is eager to support local organisations in achieving sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Kia ora, I am a working professional with thirty years experience in the construction industry - extensive and diverse construction profile with a unique and vast repertoire over commercial, residential and industrial builds.  Some career highlights have been my involved in the largest vertical infrastructure project in New Zealand (Waikeria Prison) and the large and complex airport link tunnel in Brisbane, Australia, which was constructed under five suburbs and two rivers.  
 
In recent years I moved into more senior and project management positions, leading leaders and growing my sphere of influence on construction builds. I am passionate about my trade and still, 30 years later, love what I do.  
I have recently completed a high spec Ministry of Primary Industries build and am looking for another role in the site management/project management space.   

I have a huge passion for education & training and I'm very excited to be a part of GPC's on job training strategy through their Papakaing Homes range. In all my years in the industry I have not come across anything like it for quality, price, speed and ease of construction. I love the fact that whanau can build these homes themselves if they choose to. Also love the fact that this is a locally manufactured product.

Whakapapa: 

I te taha o tōku Pāpā
Nō Kawhia ōku whanau
Ko Pirongia te maunga 
Ko Waipa te awa 
Ko Tainui te waka 
Ko Tainui te Iwi
Ko Apakura te hapū 
Ko Turner te tāngata
I te taha o tōku Māmā
Nō Mahanga ōku whanau
Ko Nukutaurua te maunga 
Ko Waikokopu te awa 
Ko Takitimu te waka 
Ko Kahungungu te Iwi
Ko Rongomaiwahine te hapū 
Ko Matenga te tāngata 

Anahera is our trainee administrator that has been with the company from its conception. She is also a member of our Te Mana Pono Rangatahi Council offering her support in the areas of sport and recreation. 

Anahera is currently enrolled in Microsoft Office training and Christian Ministry Studies through HSNZ and SCEE. 

Alvin Brown is of Whanau A Hinerupe, Ruataupare, Ruawaiapu, Ngati Porou, Raukawa, Ngapuhi, Te Roroa and Te Aupouri descent. He has a combined ten (10) years’ experience in photography, videography, graphic design, IT and ICT. He has worked with various organisations including the Waikato, Lakes and Tairawhiti District Health Boards. Alvin played an integral role in setting up the Hapu Wānanga kaupapa across these Districts, responsible for producing all the photographic and videos footage and co-designing their Hapu Wānanga Midlands Curriculum.

He also contracts regularly to Waikato and Pure New Zealand Tourism, shooting campaign content for their social media publications. Alvin is chairperson for Te Mana Pono's Rangatahi Council Committee.

Malcolm Akuhata-Brown is of Whanau A Hinerupe, Ruataupare, Ruawaiapu, Ngati Porou and Raukawa descent. 

He is Kaiarahi, Tumuaki and Co-Founder of Te Mana Pono O Te Rangatira Leadership Foundation Trust, established in 2008 to support our young men navigate life as sound leaders. Our organisation came under exciting new leadership in 2019 giving birth to many new strands within our kaupapa making us a more effective service provider in the space of Rangatahi support services for ages 16-25.

In addition to this role, he is Whanau Services Director for Mātou Kāinga Māori Housing & Development Initiative set up to help Māori own their own homes.  

Malcolm built a forty year career in the Social Services, Justice, Mental Health and Vocational Training sectors, 23 years at the coal face working with people and families facing a wide range of problems needing support at various degrees of risk. A further 17 years at executive management level, recruiting and leading teams within the same spaces, but also time spent on research projects driven by Correction Services, that saw him engage with prisons and people incarcerated for a wide range of crimes. This part of his career extended to research projects with the University of Waikato Psychology Dept and Waikato Māori Mental Health Service. 

He has worked as a self-employed Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant commissioned through the ACC, the nature of this work being very close to his own immediate family, having raised two of his five children who have Sipna bifida and Type 1 diabetes. 

Malcolm's wife of 25 years is a highly qualified healthcare professional , performing in roles that have seen her consult at an international level. He lives in Kirikiriroa with his wonderful Wahine Toa and five remarkable children. 

Fletcher Tabuteau BMS, Dip. Bus, Grad Dip Teaching.

Fletcher Tabuteau joined our governance board in December 2022 and is proudly Te Arawa, Ngati Ngararanui, Ngati Rangiwewehi and Ngati Whakaue. Fletcher brings a diverse set of experience and skills to the governance board.

Fletcher's most recent work involved regional economic engagement with Datacom as an Economic and Transformation Advisor. "One of the great projects involved creating a Maori economic entity to offer digital services to Government and corporate clients, all based in Rotorua." 

Significantly for the Mana Tapiri Group Fletcher joins our board with first-hand experience in Māori economic Development, both as a consultant and as the former Undersecretary for Regional Economic Development in the coalition government of the 51st Parliament. This role, similar to that of associate minister, was one of engagement with community and business. Significantly it also required constant oversite of ministry execution of the Provisional Growth Funds objectives.

Fletcher comes from an education background. He was a teacher and Dean for a decade at Rotorua Boys' High School and Head of Faculty of the Business School at Waiariki Polytechnic, now Toi Ohomai where he also lectured Economics. During his time at both these Rotorua institutions he was also a NZ Business Mentor giving his spare time to local businesses in their efforts to prosper.

Fletcher has been with his wife Karen for 27 years, they have two children, Morgan and Jaime.

Peter is of Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Kahungunu and Te Arawa descent. He lives in Hawai’i and is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. Peter is known for his work in, and advocacy for, indigenous human rights, ʻlocalized’ expressions of social work, economic justice, and community development, advisory and action groups.

Peter was a lead architect in the drafting of the Indigenous Social Work Resolution on the Inclusion of Indigenous Voices submitted to the International Federation of Social Workers and United Nations in 2013. He has authored several articles related to Indigenous research, economics and social entrepreneurship, maleness and masculinity, resilience, resistance and sustainability. Peter holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s degree in sociology, and, earned his doctoral degree in Social Policy and Social Work from Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. He co-chairs the World Indigenous Nations Universities – Hawaii Pasifika (WINU-HP), a non-profit organization focused on the advancement of Indigenous education. Peter serves on several editorial committees.

Crystal is of Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi, Ngati Hine descent. Born in Whangarei and raised in Otara, Auckland. Worked for the family business in works infrastructure and changed the industry to social services with Women’s Refuge. Currently, the Director of Whanau Oranga Trust which she established to help kaumatua, kuia, and the elderly, repair their homes to a liveable state (at no cost to them), monitor their well-being, and deliver food parcels. 

Crystal has a passion for property development and major residential housing construction and is focused on using that passion to co-create high quality affordable and sustainable home ownership options for Māori and Pasifika whanau.  

Owen Rutherford Lloyd is a seasoned leader in governance and management and is highly qualified within the sector our organisation operates in which is Youth Support Services.

He has a military career spanning twenty eight years serving in the NZ Army and currently serves as the Portfolio Manager for Mental Health – Funding and Planning at Tairawhiti District Health helping to administer and manage $20 Million dollars of Mental health and addictions contracts for the Tairawhiti Region. Prior to this role he was Cultural Advisor to Infant, child and adolescent mental health service (ICAMHS) providing cultural input of the Maori world view and support to clinical and management staff of the ICAMH service at Hauora Tairawhiti (Tairawhiti Hospital). He has over twenty - five years contract negotiation and management experience and currently leads treaty settlement negotiations for his tribal affiliations. He is chairperson for The Tairawhiti Maori Council and member of Negotiator Treaty Claims – (Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi Iwi) Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi Tribunal Claims Committee (chair) 1993 - Present. Ngati Porou Whanui Forest Board of Directors. Tairawhiti District Maori Council, Minister of Maori affairs Joint Advisory Groups (Maori Wardens Project), Tairawhiti Maori Wardens Strategic Leadership Group, Tairawhiti Police Advisory Group (Te Aitanga a Mahaki Representative) and Tairawhiti Voyaging Trust (Waka Build.

Previous memberships include;

NZ Council of Social Services (Chair), Te Aitanga a Mahaki Trust (trustee), Gisborne Council of Social Services Executive,

Whatatutu Primary School BOT (Chair), Maori Cultural Advisor, NZ Guidelines Group Suicide Prevention Project, Managaotane Trust (Chair), Te Kupenga Trust (Chair), Tairawhiti Youth Offending Teams, Regional Leadership Group Whanau ora (Vice Chair), Chair Truancy Services, Ministerial Appointed Steering Group (Government/Community)(Relationship Agreement), Chairman Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi (Social Services ITO), Chairman Treaty Claims Collective – Turanga Manu- Whiriwhiri

(Turanga wide Collective), Chairman Treaty Claims Collective - Te Pou a Haokai (Te Aitanga a Mahaki Collective), Chairman Patutahi School Board of Trustee, Chairman Muriwai School Board of Trustee, Chairman Turanga FM development working party, Chairman Local Maori Newspaper development Working Party, Chairman Gisborne Safer Community Council, Chairman Tairawhiti Healthcare Strategic Management Team, New Zealand Guidelines Group (Deputy Chair), Member – Maori Liaison Group to Gisborne District Council, Member – Local Church Leadership Team, Director Public Relations Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Strengthening Families Committee Drug out of Schools Committee, Inter - Denominational Chaplaincy Service Gisborne Enterprise Agency, Tairawhiti Maori Community Health Committee, New Zealand Health & Disability Facilities Standard Committee, New Zealand National Dyspepsia Core Committee, Tairawhiti Healthcare Quality & Risk Management Committee Gisborne Small Business Enterprise and Trustee Mangaotane Farm Trust (Chair).

After 25 years in Australia, Benjamin returned home with a deep commitment to supporting his community through meaningful housing and infrastructure initiatives. He also has recent experience developing social housing for Wairoa Whānau within the Kainga Ora housing model. 

He is a Trustee of Te Wairoa Tapokorau Whānui and serves as an adviser to several iwi and non-iwi organisations across the Tūwharetoa, Auckland, and Ngāpuhi regions. In addition to his leadership roles, Benji is a member of the Wairoa Golf Club and contributes to a number of private whānau-owned property and investment entities.

Benji’s professional background spans high-level leadership and entrepreneurship. He previously founded and managed a successful data analytics company, served at a National Distribution Level for a global alcohol brand, and owned a $20 million revenue seafood import and distribution business in Melbourne. His experience includes managing large teams, delivering multimillion-dollar projects, and developing strategic pathways that prioritise inclusive and values-based outcomes.

With a strong focus on housing equity, community development, and strategic planning, Benji brings a blend of corporate acumen and grassroots connection. His ability to engage across sectors, navigate complex challenges, and champion local voices positions him as a key contributor to regional development in Wairoa and beyond.

He is especially passionate about ensuring that every Kiwi has the opportunity to own a home and is eager to support local organisations in achieving sustainable, community-driven solutions.