Te Kootuinga
Senior Leadership TeamTe Kootuinga are collectively responsible for providing leadership to all kaimahi (employees) of Waikato-Tainui. Their leadership strives to work towards achieving the strategic objectives of Whakatupuranga 2050.
Donna Flavell
Tumu Whakarae
Chief Executive Officer
A known face throughout the tribe, Chief Executive is a role that she returned to after being on secondment with Te Ruunanga o Ngaai Tahu as the General Manager, Strategy and Influence and has been an integral part of the Three Waters initiative.
Donna holds key responsibilities for providing leadership to all employees of Waikato-Tainui and works closely with the Chair of Te Arataura and the Senior Leadership Team on a wide range of complex issues that confront Waikato-Tainui.
Prior to this, Donna led the Waikato-Tainui team that provided technical and administrative support to the co-negotiators for the Waikato River Claim, and subsequent settlement with the Crown. To see the realisation of the Waikato River Settlement in 2008 (and subsequent review in 2009) was a personal achievement for Donna.
Marae Tukere
Pou Matua – Te Oranga
GM Development & Wellbeing
Waikato (Ngaati Maahuta)
The key focus of this team is to deliver health and wellbeing, economic development, housing, and environmental initiatives to tribal members and marae.
Teams: Haapori, Whanake, Taiao, Mokopuna Ora, Nursery
Raewyn Mahara
Pou Matua – Te Maatauranga
GM Education & Pathways
Waikato (Ngaati Mahuta), Ngaatiawa (Otaraua), Taranaki (Ngaati Moeahu)
This team delivers education and career pathways initiatives, maintains industry partnerships, and implements our Tikanga Ora Reo Ora (TORO) strategy.
Teams: Maatauranga (Education Team),
Reo me te Maatauranga (Reo and Maatauranga Team), Ngaa Ara Umanga (Career
Pathways Team)
Jason Ake
Pou Matua – Te Paahekoheko
GM Engagement & Communications
Waikato (Mahanga, Ngaati Haua)
Marketing services, tribal events, social media, digital strategy, website development, and engagement, all sit within this team.
Teams: Communications & Events, Tainui Live, Aukaha News
Gwendoline Keel
Pou Matua – Te Mana Hautuu
GM Governance & Legal
The Governance & Legal team is responsible for servicing Te Arataura, Te Whakakitenga and subcommittees and providing legal services to the organisation.
Teams: Policy, Governance Administration, Legal
Taipu Paki
Pou Matua – Nga Mana aa-Ture
GM Rights & Interests
Waikato (Ngaati Whaawhaakia)
The protection of historic and current settlements sits within Rights & Interests who also manage Crown partnerships, our Accords and advocate for our whaanau and organisations.
Teams: Strategy & Relationships, Settlement Protection
Glenda Taituha-Toka
Pou Matua – Ngaa Taonga Tuku Iho
GM Heritage & Identity
Waikato-Maniapoto (Ngaati Kinohaku), Ngaati Raahiri, Ngaati Kuiaa
They are the kaitiaki of maatauranga resources, managing our tribal register and archives along with processing grants.
Teams: Tribal Connection - Taatai Hono, Tribal & Kiingitanga Collections - Taonga, Carving Team - Ngaa Ringa Whao, Tribal Narratives - Koorero Tuku Iho, Tribal Archives - He Puna Mahara
Amy Wharakura-Taewa
Pou Matua – Aapiha Tumu Arumoni
GM Financial Officer
Waikato (Ngaati Mahuta, Ngaati Te Ata)
The key responsibility of this team is corporate financial responsibilities
Teams: Finance, Audit
Alieta Waitoa
Pou Matua – Ngaa Whakahaere
GM Operations
Ngaati Kahungunu, Ngaati Porou, Waikato (Ngaati Whaawhaakia)
This team is responsible for the operational performance of Waikato-Tainui ensuring our organisation is equipped to drive the required change and growth and meet our Whakatupuranga 2050 strategic aspirations.
Teams: PMO (Project Management Office), Maintenance & Facilities, Property, Business Support, People & Culture (HR, Health & Safety, Kaimahi Ora), Functions & Catering, Risk, ICT and Data
Manaaki Nepia
Pou Kaitohutohu
Chief Adviser
The Chief Advisor supports the work of the Tumu Whakarae by providing direct high level strategic, organisational and operational advice.
Teams: The Chief Advisor supports the work of Te Kootuinga and works directly with the Te Arataura Chair on strategic projects of significant interest to the Iwi. There are no direct reports to this role.