Ko Tātou tēnei | About Us
Ko Waitaha te Iwi
Waitaha are an ancient iwi that descends from the waka Te Arawa. Their area of interest extends from Waimapu to Mauao along the coastline to Maketu, and inland to Ōtanewainuku.
Post Settlement Governance
Te Kapu O Waitaha is the Post Treaty Settlement Trust (PSGE) mandated by Waitaha to hold and manage the Settlement redress assets under the Waitaha Treaty Settlement Claims ACT 2013.
Ngā Kaitohutohu o Te Poari
Board of Trustees
Areta Gray
Chairman
Areta brings a strong background in governance, directorships, and organisational leadership, including experience with TIMIC Ltd, Ngāti Pūkenga, and Otepou Kura Kaupapa Māori. Before her current role she served as a Trustee on the Waitaha Treaty Settlement Claims negotiating team, contributing to the iwi’s settlement process. Areta’s leadership is informed by her commitment to cultural integrity, strategic stewardship of assets, and advancing opportunities for Waitaha whānau. She also works professionally as a Public Service lawyer with Oranga Tamariki.
Elizabeth Te Amo
Trustee
Liz Te Amo brings significant leadership experience in business and governance. She is currently the CEO of Miro LP and has had an extensive career in the public and private sectors, including senior roles at NZ Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, where she led national Crown–Māori economic development strategy. Liz has also served as a director on Waitaha Group Holdings and holds governance roles across Māori industry organisations.
Sandra Potaka
Trustee
Sandra Potaka is a contributing strategic leader that lives at Manoeka, Te Puke. She is active across marae, hapū, iwi, and community initiatives in the Bay of Plenty region. She brings extensive public-sector experience and advocacy for whānau wellbeing to her governance roles. Sandra also serves on other boards, including SociaLink, representing Waitaha and supporting community-led development and kaupapa Māori-centred initiatives.
Mereana Te Pere
Trustee
Mereana Te Pere is a Trustee of Te Kapu o Waitaha, contributing governance leadership to the mandated post-settlement governance entity for Waitaha iwi. She stood for election in 2022 and brings broad governance experience from her roles across community and social service organisations. Her background includes board roles with SociaLink Tauranga Moana, Rape Prevention and Education Trust in Auckland, and involvement in iwi and education governance, guided by a strong understanding of tikanga māori and strategic direction.
Andre October
Trustee
Andre October is a newly elected trustee for Te Kapu o Waitaha. In addition to his trustee role, Andre is a director of Mortgage IQ Limited, a finance company he helped establish, reflecting his experience in financial services and business operations. He brings commercial insight and a commitment to responsible stewardship that supports the Trust’s focus on sustainable financial management and opportunities for Waitaha whānau.
Te Poari Aru Putea
Appointed Directors
Mana Newton
Chairman
Mana Newton has served in senior leadership and governance roles across the motu and brings extensive experience across commercial advisory, audit and maori business development. With a focus on sustainable growth, disciplined investment, and long-term value creation, Mana is committed to ensuring decisions protect tribal taonga while advancing the aspirations of current and future generations.
Ray Morrsion
Director
Ray Morrison has served in governance and senior executive roles nationally and internationally, bringing practical experience in land management, commercial development, and iwi enterprise. He contributes a strong focus on strategic planning, sustainable asset growth, and prudent financial oversight to ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of tribal taonga. Ray is committed to balancing commercial performance with cultural responsibility, supporting initiatives that strengthen economic resilience while upholding the values and aspirations of the Iwi.
Elizabeth Te Amo
Director
Liz Te Amo is an experienced director with expertise in governance, commercial strategy, and investment oversight. She serves on the boards of Wataha Group Holdings LP and Waitaha Assets LP, and has held leadership roles with E Hono Primary Sector Leaders, NZ Rugby Commercial Committee, and as Chair of Blueberries NZ. Her career spans executive roles in government and business, including CEO of Miro LP and senior roles at NZ Trade & Enterprise and MBIE, bringing international experience and a focus on growing Māori business capability.