Our Board
Chair
Maria Ngawati is a Māmā and has worked across all parts of the Tertiary education sector for the majority of her career. She is a current PhD candidate, holds a Masters degree in Health Science and trained as a Physiotherapist, so has a keen interest in Health Sciences and Whānau wellbeing.
Director
Awerangi is the Chief Operating Officer for Te Whānau o Waipareira and the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. Awerangi’s career spans the public sector – working in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in Social Reform and other government agencies through to the private sector.
Director
Lady Moxon has long advocated for equity and resourcing to meet the needs of whānau Māori living in cities. Since 2012, she has chaired the National Urban Māori Authority (NUMA), representing affiliated urban Māori organisations across Aotearoa.
Director
Dr Darryn Russell (Ngāi Tahu ki Ōtākou) brings 40 years of senior executive and governance experience across iwi organisations, tertiary education, Crown entities and community groups. With a background in community work and qualifications through to doctoral level, Darryn’s personal and professional commitment is centred on advancing iwi development.
Director
Josh Wharehinga is an experienced Māori leader, governance practitioner and social entrepreneur whose career spans education, local government, health and commercial enterprise. Having served on more than 20 boards, Josh brings extensive governance experience and a strong commitment to strengthening local leadership, championing community voice and improving outcomes for whānau.
Associate Director
Kelly Parekowhai is a Māori planner, policy leader, and impact entrepreneur. He is currently a 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.
