Putting into practice our commitment to Rangatira impact outcomes, and supporting the next generation of Māori governance practitioners, Tapuwae Roa is pleased to announce Kelly Parekowhai (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāti Whakarongo) as our first Amonuku (Associate Director) on the Tapuwae Roa board. Nau mai tauti mai ki tō mātou whānau.
With over a decade of experience across local and central government, Kelly has led strategic portfolios spanning housing, papakāinga, environmental planning, and Tiriti policy.
“Since first connecting with the Tapuwae Roa Board in early 2024, through the Amorangi Governance Summit and our away day in July, I’ve been deeply inspired by the kaupapa, values, and collective vision.
“I’m here to listen, learn, and lean in — championing bold investment, strategic partnerships, and whānau-led solutions that unlock the aspirations of our iwi, hapū, and communities across Aotearoa.”
Kelly has managed large cross-functional teams, advised Ministers and executive leadership at Ministry for Primary Industries, Te Puni Kōkiri, and Auckland Council, and held national governance roles — including with the Ministry for the Environment’s RM Digital Futures Steering Group.
Kelly is also Senior Associate and Te Ao Māori Technical Lead at Barker & Associates, and the Founder of IwiConnect — Aotearoa’s first B2I (Business-to-Indigenous) engagement platform.
It is a privilege to have Kelly on board our Tapuwae Roa waka as we continue our journey. Kia kotahi te kaihoe i te waka, kia ū ki uta!
To learn more about Kelly and how we are growing the next generation of Māori governors, visit: https://www.tapuwaeroa.org/about/our-board/
