Russell Harrison is one of the most recognised entertainers in New Zealand. Predominantly recognised as a soul and R’n’B singer he has built a diverse portfolio of performances that include Musicals, MC and Performer , Corporate Clients and International Performances. He organises and delivers events, he regularly features as a voice- over for ads, he is a well-known Master of Ceremonies at Major events throughout New Zealand, he has acted in NZ Films (What becomes of the Broken Hearted and Mt Zion) he has released his own “covers” album called Reflections and most recently has added travelling the world performing on Cruise Ships as part of his Portfolio.
Nanaia Mahuta is a māmā, mentor, strategic adviser, and community researcher with a deep passion for global affairs and indigenous diplomacy. With 27 years in Parliament, she has been committed to Māori development, foreign affairs, and kaupapa that contribute to being resilient, sustainable and enterprising whānau thriving in their communities. She made history as the first female MP to wear moko kauae in Parliament and later as Aotearoa’s first female Minister of Māori Development and Foreign Affairs. Beyond titles, Nanaia’s focus has remained the same—creating pathways for Māori to thrive and amplifying indigenous success on the world stage. From embedding Indigenous values in diplomacy to pioneering Kaupapa Māori Housing, strengthening Pacific partnerships, and advancing Māori and Pasifika representation in governance and procurement, her work has tested the current boundaries and continues to inform her contribution. At the heart of her journey is a commitment to indigenising decision-making—honoring tūpuna while shaping a mokopuna-centered future for people, the planet, peace, and prosperity.
Minister for Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Resources, Associate Minister of Finance, and Associate Minister for Energy.Mr Jones entered Parliament in 2005 with the Labour Party and joined New Zealand First as an MP in 2017. He was educated at St Stephen’s and has completed degrees at universities in Wellington, Western Australia, and Harvard. He has held business and public sector leadership roles such as Chairman of Sealord, our country’s first Pacific Economic Ambassador, Member of Parliament, and a Minister in government.
Min Conservation, Housing (Social Housing), Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti, Maori Development and Whanau Ora
Tama Potaka is from Mōkai Pātea, Whanganui, Taranaki, and surrounding Iwi of Te Tai Hauāuru and Te Kāhui Maunga. He is he Minister for Māori Development, Minister for Whānau Ora, Minister of Conservation, Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti, and Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing). He is the MP for Hamilton West. Prior to entering politics in the 2022 Hamilton West byelection, Tama was the chief executive of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. He has been a senior advisor to the NZ Super Fund and served as general manager at Tainui Group Holdings in Hamilton. He is married to Ariana and thy have three tamariki (Tiaria, Te Awarua and Aorangi). Tama has a Bachelor of Arts (Māori Studies, Political Science) and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from Victoria University and a Master of Laws from Columbia University.
Maramena is a multi-award-winning leader in New Zealand broad-casting and media. With career accolades ranging from TVNZ’s first Māori foreign correspondent based in Europe and the first female New Zealand journalist sent in to report on warzones, Head of News and Current Af-fairs at a to supporting emerging Maori production houses and creators, Maramena has won awards in most genres of news and current affairs, including best Te Reo Maori programming. Maramena has been the Director of Content, Director of Marketing and Director of Partnerships for Whakaata Māori Maori Television Service, responsible for all programming; marketing and communications; statutory reporting to government; media law, negotia-tions and stakeholder relationships. As the Head of News and Current Affairs, Maramena won more awards in a 12-month period for the newsroom than it had in the previous decade. Her governance and leadership experi-ence includes the New Zealand Media Council, government advisory panels and private sector entities. Having grown up with her tribal elders as mentors and guides, Maramena is committed to Māori advancement and success. A fluent Maori speaker and a proponent of cultural practice and protocol in her home and work life, Maramena’s dedication to making space for women and Maori in broadcasting is reflected in Aotearoa NZs media today.
Chair FOMA, Tainui Executive Committee, Director
Traci Houpapa is a globally recognised New Zealand business leader and governance expert, known for her strategic leadership in economic development, agribusiness, and Indigenous enterprise. A trusted advisor to Māori, government, and industry, she champions sustainable growth and inclusive economic policies. Named among the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women, Traci is an award-winning company director and a respected advocate for Māori economic empowerment and global Indigenous trade. A sought-after speaker and diplomat, Traci fosters international partnerships while advancing Māori rights, representation, and social equity. Her leadership is defined by integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to building the wealth and prosperity for Aotearoa New Zealand. As a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors NZ, a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a Justice of the Peace, Traci’s dedication to empowering others and driving positive change for Indigenous, industry and government has made her an inspiration for others and a valuable leader for Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.
Ganesh is a first-generation New Zealander of Indian ethnicity, raised in Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta. Ganesh acknowledges Māori as Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa. Ganesh lives with his partner in Pōneke. An economist by trade, Ganesh has accumulated more than 40 years of experience and knowledge during a professional career that has ranged from academia to consulting, to public service. He was Chief Economist at BERL from 2011, before leaving to serve as Chair of Productivity Commission Te Kōmihana Whai Hua o Aotearoa in 2021. Since the disestablishment of the Commission in 2024, Ganesh continues to monitor the economic situation publishing comment and articles on his Substack site. Ganesh regularly volunteers for shifts at the City Mission’s Whakamaru Social Supermarket and serves in voluntary positions on the Boards of Kaibosh Food Rescue, The New Zealand Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri, and Nuku Ora.
Linda is a Partner in Dentons’ Public Law and Dispute Resolution team based in Wellington. An expert litigator with extensive experience appearing in the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, Coroner’s Court and a range of tribunals, including the Human Rights Review Tribunal, she provides practical and clear advice to clients confronting private and public law issues. As an advocate and advisor, she has a particular specialisation in judicial review, public law disputes and processes, independent reviews and defamation. Linda frequently advises on legal risk in public decision making, regulation and governance. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and currently serves on the TVNZ Board.
Te Aupouri, Ngapuhi Nui Tonu me te iwi Morehu
Karleen is Te Kaitohu Rautaki Māori – Head of Te Ao Māori Strategy for ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited (ANZ). Prior to joining ANZ she was the CEO of her own consultancy company, Manaaki Solutions Ltd for 16 years. She has a Masters of Management from the University of Auckland Business School where she specialised in Indigenous Strategic Leadership. Last year Karleen was recognised by the University of Auckland Business School and received the Dame Mira Szazsy Alumni Maori Business Leader Award. She has held many governance roles and was the first woman, first Māori to have chaired Northland Inc (the Northland economic development agency). She currently serves on the St Stephens & Queen Victoria Schools Trust Board and Global Women. She proudly serves as the Chair for her little whanau Trust that holds the name of her tupuna. Karleen is humbled to have been recognised by FOMA as a Me Uru Kahikatea Business Leader alongside her father Joe Everitt.Te Aupouri, Ngapuhi Nui Tonu me te iwi Morehu.
Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui
Craig is a Professional Director, Chartered Accountant and Partner of BakerTIlly Chartered Accountants. He was the first Maori Partner appointed at Baker Tilly as well as one of the youngest. He has 20 years commercial and accounting experience and is a trusted advisor to Iwi and commercial entities. Craig has also built an extensive list of governance positions and is the Chair of Ahuahu Group (Ngāti Maniapoto commercial entity), a Board member of Waikato Tainui, Tainui Group Holdings and Hineuru Holdings Ltd. Craig also to holds the position within the Iwi and is the current Chair of Mangatoatoa Paa and Chair of award winning Taiao restoration entity Puniu Rvier Care.
Ko Pirongia te maunga. Ko Waipa te awa. Ko Tainui te waka. Ko Ngaati Maniapoto te iwi. Ko Ngaati Apakura te hapuu. Ko Puurekireki te marae. I am a co-founder and director of Longveld, founded in 1992, which specialises in stainless steel fabrication particularly for dairy, food, water infrastructure, public art and architecture. Longveld committed to a ten hour x four day work week pattern in 2019 that works for our largely trade-based team and is focused on digital systems integration to improve productivity. Talent attraction and retention is important to us, and we are constantly looking for ways we can improve in this space. Being involved in several initiatives across a number of groups is something that I find invaluable for us as a company and our industry as a whole. Recently I’ve been part of a Waikato Advancing Manufacturing Association local business earn-as-you-learn pilot programme. This is a paid learning opportunity for 18 young people to be introduced to manufacturing through 10 local manufacturing firms.
Maori Executive Lead – Strategy & Governance ASB
Riria’s work focuses on simplifying the complex so clients are better placed to make clear focused and guiding strategic choices, map the pathway to achievement, and most importantly execute. In a world of constant change, she helps to challenge their own status-quo and bring a customer rather than process centric lens to their work. Riria is passionate about working with Māori and considering how business approaches and measures of success can better reflect a Māori world view to pursue the perfect balance between people, planet and putea. Riria is a management consultant and qualified chartered accountant with a strong interest in design thinking as a valuable tool for rethinking and reimagining not only products and services but strategy, culture, organisation design and approaches in general. (ref. LinkedIn)
Jarred is the Chief Insight Officer at MPI. He leads a small team that takes a systems view to track and analyse the impacts from: geopolitics, trade, market shifts, new technologies, value chain enhancements, emerging business models, farming systems and inputs – and maps the implications back onto New Zealand’s economy. In addition, they undertake detailed studies into topics relevant to the sector, recent studies include strategic framing of the sector, alternative proteins, genetic technologies, AI in the food system, technology change, etc. Jarred has over twenty years working with the food and fibre sector holding senior roles in the public service and private sector.
Dale Aotea Stephens serves as the Chair of New Zealand Māori Tourism. He brings a wealth of experience championing Māori aspirations in both the public and private sector as a director on a range of Māori investment and social agency entities. Drawing on his extensive experience in the public sector and background in human resources, investment and consultancy, Dale has guided government agencies and led organisations as CEO in NZ and Asia Pacific. He has previously served on numerous private sector boards across a range of business interests. Dale and his wife Tarina (Te Atiawa) are proud parents of six and live in Ōtautahi Christchurch. His deep appreciation for learning has granted him various academic accolades in Business Management, Master of Public Policy, te reo Māori and a Master of Laws.
MP For Ikaroa-Rawhiti, Maori Economy, Sport & Recreation, Forestry
I am equally confident on the Marae and in the boardroom, currently serving on boards for Kura Kaupapa Maori, Iwi radio and the NZ Amateur Sports Association. I am an inspirational leader who creates strong vision. As CEO of Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union I harnessed the uniqueness of the region, raising the Union’s profile, attracting investment, building a new office facility – positively impacting whanau through development on and off the field. I am an advocate for whanau wellness, and have worked as a Kohanga Reo Kaiako, voluntary youth worker, and wananga facilitator across Aotearoa. The insights from these roles ignited my passion for better outcomes for whanau, from education and employment to health and housing. A strong communicator with a background in the media – I am no stranger to telling our stories. Once I commit, I follow through and deliver.
Manukura, Muka Tangata Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Whakaue
Moerangi Vercoe is a former journalist and communications professional working mainly in Wellington for more than 30 years in education, arts and political roles. She has been Manukura at Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council since 2021 and led the development of Te Haumako, the Workforce Development Plan for Māori in the sector. On a personal note, Moerangi is the daughter of the late Waaka Vercoe, the inaugural secretary of FOMA.
GM Maori Economic Development, Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment
From his roots in Taihape, Shar Amner brings extensive experience in Māori economic development and commercial governance to his role as General Manager of Māori Economy & Strategic Partnerships at the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE). Since 2019, he has worked to strengthen Crown-Māori economic relationships and foster cross-agency collaboration. His ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups while maintaining strategic focus has been a hallmark of his approach. As Chair of Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation, established in 1969 as one of New Zealand’s significant Māori-owned primary sector enterprises, Shar has been a board member for eight years, helping guide its diverse operations across farming, dairy, beekeeping, and forestry. His governance journey also includes serving as a former Chair and Treaty Settlement Negotiator for Ngāti Rangi Trust, alongside valuable experience in manuka honey production and strategic partnerships. Throughout his career, Shar has focused on balancing commercial objectives with cultural values, working to create sustainable opportunities that benefit both current and future generations. Rugby has been a constant thread throughout Shar’s life, weaving together his personal and professional philosophies. From his early days playing university rugby in the USA to now, along with his wife, supporting their two teenage sons in their rugby journey, the sport has reinforced his understanding of teamwork, leadership, and the importance of building strong foundations for future success. These values continue to influence his approach to governance and economic development, where he fosters collaboration between iwi, government, and commercial sectors to achieve shared economic and social outcomes.
Dean is an accomplished trustee with expertise in governance, leadership, and commerce. His diverse governance experience spans agribusiness, private, co-operative, IWI and state-owned companies, providing invaluable insights for strategic direction and risk management to safeguard stakeholder assets. Dean’s business portfolio includes commercial property, dairy, pork and pip fruit production. He has proven experience in managing and leading his own commercial enterprises along with those of investors that will add value to the management of your commercial activities. Dean is a winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, the most prestigious Māori agribusiness award that celebrates excellence in dairy, sheep and beef and horticulture. Since 2012, Dean has contributed to the award by taking on the role of Chief Judge for the dairy competition. Outside of this he enjoys time with his whānau and being outdoors – hunting, fishing, diving and playing golf.
Ko Pukehapopo te maunga. Ko Waiomoko te awa. Ko Tereanini te waka. Ko Marukauiti me Te Riwai me Wahakapi nga hapu. Ko Ngati Konohi te Iwi. Dame Ingrid Collins is a distinguished leader in Māori land management, business, and health governance in New Zealand. She has played a pivotal role in the Māori land sector, managing land incorporations and serving as trustee and chairwoman of Whangara B5 and Whangara Farms since the 1970s and on the Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) Executive Committee for Tairawhiti. Her contributions extend into health governance, where she was appointed to the Tairāwhiti District Health Board in 2001, serving as chair until 2010. She later joined the Crown Health Financing Agency in 2011 and contributed to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee from 2013. Dame Ingrid was also a member of the AgResearch Māori Advisory Committee and established Three Rivers Medical in Gisborne, where she served as Chief Executive. She was also a trustee of Chelsea Private Hospital in Gisborne. In recognition of her service to Māori, Ingrid was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2008 New Year Honours. Her ongoing dedication to Māori, business, and health governance was further recognized in the 2025 New Year Honours, where she was promoted to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) for services to Māori, business, and health governance.
Dame Jenny Shipley was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1997 to late 1999. Dame Jenny retired from politics in 2002 and returned to the corporate, philanthropic and private sectors. She is now a speaker, consultant, strategist and advisor to several companies, organizations, and individuals in New Zealand and abroad. She champions effective leadership and mentors many women and young Māori and pakeha leaders who will shape the future of our nation. During her tenure as PM she steered New Zealand through the Asian financial crisis and returned the country to a 4% growth rate and fiscal surpluses. She was the first women leader to chair APEC, was and remains a strong promoter of open markets with a particular interest in the Asia Pacific region. She was a senior Minister in the New Zealand Government during the 90’s and was a key player in New Zealand’s highly successful economic and social reforms of that period. Dame Jenny has a great interest and expertise in inclusion, equity and diversity. She is passionate about the New Zealand we can be and speaks regularly on the evolving New Zealand economy and identity with the Treaty at its center. She is ambitious for New Zealand and is on a mission to encourage all New Zealanders to see the potential in building a unique and inclusive nation that values and respects difference while finding common ground to grow our nation together. Dame Jenny has been married to her husband Burton for 52 years, has 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom she adores.
Deputy Director General Māori Partnerships & Investments, Ministry for Primary Industries
Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine
Glenn has over 25 years working in the public service, with a focus on Māori development and improving the Māori Crown relationship, including as a Chief Crown Negotiator working with iwi to develop and agree Treaty settlements that address historical grievances. Glenn’s previous roles include Acting Tumu Whakarae, Chief Executive of The Office of Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti, Director of Local Government in the Department of Internal Affairs and time at the Australian Departments of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Resources, Energy and Tourism in Canberra.
Deputy Secretary Policy, Te Puni Kokiri
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Ruanui
Paula Rawiri brings a wealth and breadth of experience to the role of Deputy Secretary Policy. For 18 years Paula contributed to Māori development at the Ministry of Education, where she has worked in leadership roles since 2002. Most recently she was the Ministry’s Director of Education, Waikato. With a strong background in operational and policy management, Paula is highly skilled in developing and implementing Māori education initiatives, and she continues to broker opportunities with whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori at Te Puni Kōkiri. In her role she oversees investment in innovation that will build capability among Māori communities so they can achieve their aspirations and move towards intergenerational transformation. Paula holds a Bachelor of Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development from the University of Waikato.
Green MP, Māori Development, Forestry, Health, Whānau Ora and Broadcasting spokesperson
Huhana comes from a hapū iwi, whenua Māori background, having been Raukura CEO of Ngātiwai Trust Board and CEO of Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust (Tai Tokerau largest Ahu Whenua Trust). She came to parliament with a strong focus on Māori development on whenua and people. Huhana has a clear vision for Māori economic prosperity underpinned by people development, a balanced approach to asset management and kaitiaki. In May 2024, her members bill was drawn from the biscuit tin ‘Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill’, one of the key mechanisms which alienated Māori land. The powers of compulsory acquisition diminish the Treaty guarantee of rangatiratanga. Huhana is a key advocate for land back – hoki whenua mai and brings her passion for whenua and people to FOMA.
Director, Annette Sykes & Co Ltd
Annette Te Imaima Sykes is of Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Mākino descent, born and raised at Hinehopu by Pirimi Whata Karaka and Tawhitoariki Morehu. Annette has devoted her life to championing Māori rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Educated at United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) and Victoria and Auckland University where she obtained a law degree and Bachelor of Commerce. She was an adjunct professor at Auckland University’s Faculty of Law. Annette’s distinguished legal career spans nearly four decades, focusing on Māori interests and constitutional justice. Annette has served on numerous boards, including Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao and Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd. She participated in the Fisheries Settlement, arguing the case at the Privy Council. Currently, she advises the Ministry for the Environment on Māori rights in freshwater management and serves as a trustee for the Crown Forest Rental Trust. Annette manages her own law firm in Rotorua mentoring young professionals. In recognition of her significant contributions to the legal field, Annette has recently been honoured with two prestigious awards. In August 2024, she was conferred the Access to Justice Award by the New Zealand and Australian Bar Association. This was followed in September 2024 by the bestowal of the Lifetime Membership Award from Te Hunga Rōia Māori, the Māori Law Society.
Being a Mama at 17 to Waiaria provided Haylee with motivation to move through University of Waikato Law school and into legal practise across Waikato and Tamaki Makaurau, before joining Fonterra for 10 years. During this time, she was part of the Maniapoto Maori Trust Board, Chair of Te Reo o Tainui (radio) and continues to support a whanau-owned tourist entity. Now working as an independent consultant, Haylee brings over 25 years of corporate and governance experience to help organisations move beyond tick-box exercises and surface-level commitments. She specialises in supporting businesses to embed Sustainability and ESG strategies that are authentic, values-driven, and create meaningful impact. Haylee’s practical, future-focused approach empowers leaders to align environmental, social, and governance priorities with long-term business success, ensuring genuine progress and accountability.
FOMA Te Arawa Executive Committee
Tina works work for various groups involved in the Primary Agribusiness sector incl. Dairy, sheep & cattle and Kiwifruit. At a Governance level she is involved in a number of Trusts including Onuku Maori Land Trust (Farming and Honey production); Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust (Commercial, Tourism and Thermal Spa & Hot springs; Pukaingataru B12 Trust (Kiwifruit) and am Chair of MANAAKI ORA TRUST an extensive Maori Health Provider across Families and the Addiction sector. I am also a member of TOI EDA for the Eastern Bay of Plenty and on the Bay of Plenty Leadership Group for the BOP region. Tina is known as a strong advocate for Maori in business and Maori in Agribusiness.
Taiao Connect Limited
Hilton Collier grew up on his ancestral lands near Ruatoria in heartland Ngati Porou. It was a community that thrived as tikanga – traditional Maori values – meant people looked after each other and the lands on which their lives depended. After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Hilton has spent his career working as a Farm Management Consultant. He has gravitated increasingly towards working within the Maori agribusiness sector, including a number of substantial Maori farms in the Northern Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti. Hilton is involved in several leading marketing businesses including First Light Wagyu and Merino NZ. He holds several company directorships, chairs the Eastern Institute of Technology and has initiated several regionally focused environmental/community development projects in the Northern Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti.
Chair, Te Arawa Arataua
Tanira is an agricultural economist with over 30yrs experience across New Zealand’s primary industry sectors. He worked in the forestry and sawmill sectors in the late 1970s and managed a Bay of Plenty orchard in the 1980s. Since then, he’s been an academic with Massey University in agricultural systems and management and held positions as a senior scientist and science strategist with Scion and AgResearch. Tanira is a research consultant and recently the science lead for research programmes funded by the Our Land & Water NSC and the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC). This research focuses on building multi-model frameworks to develop increased farm performance, reduced emissions and land use change scenarios at the individual farm level across the country. Tanira is an Emeritus Scientist with Scion Research, a Climate Change Commissioner, science advisor to the Ministry of Primary Industries and Ministry for the Environment and holds several directorships in the agricultural sector including Landcorp Farming (Pamu). He is also a director and committee member on Māori land authorities including Whakaue Farming Ltd and he chairs Te Arawa Arataua (Te Arawa Primary Sector Collective). Tanira has a PhD in agricultural economics and development (Australian National University), and an MAppSc (Hons) in agricultural systems management (Massey University). He is affiliated to Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Rangitihi, Te Arawa, Ngati Awa