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Our Team
Providing practical support, advice and advocacy in our community
Alana Hunter
Kaiwhakahaere Matua/Operations Manager
Alana is responsible for overseeing all administrative, financial, and operational activities of the Trust, including managing staff, developing and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and working closely with our Board of Trustees to achieve the Trusts strategic objectives. Alana has strong relationships with the team and our Trustees and is well-respected within our Ngāti Rangitihi community. She has a passion for researching whakapapa, a strong understanding and respect of kaupapa Māori, te reo me ona tikanga, and te reo Māori. Alana embodies unity and excellence, making a meaningful impact on the cultural journey of our Iwi.
Linda Bush-Mason
Kaiwhina Tari/Hau Kainga
Office Admin/Iwi Liaison
Linda is actively involved in coordinating our Iwi and community events. She also manages the bookings for Rangitihi Marae, facilitating a hub for cultural gatherings and events. With her multitasking skills and dedication, Linda plays a key role in strengthening our community ties and supporting our social, environmental, and cultural initiatives.
Mariana Te Rangi
Environmental Manager
Mariana supports Frances with our Tarawera Awa Restoration Project and leads various environmental initiatives for the Trust. She is dedicated to projects like Wallaby Eradication, Te Ora o Tarawera with TALT, our Treaty implementation with the Department of Conservation, Golden Clams initiative with Te Arawa Collective, Wattle Eradication, and Te Manawa o Ngā Wai. Her commitment adds fresh energy to our work in environmental conservation.
Rita Costar
Iwi Engagement Clerk
Our invaluable casual Iwi Engagement Clerk, Rita's versatility and efficiency is critical during busy times, where her expertise shines in tasks such as assisting with database updates, phoning, emailing our registered members, and assisting with mailouts. Rita also holds a significant role as the Kaikaranga on the paepae tapu at Rangiaohia.
Darcy Stoneham
Pou Hapori/Social Lead
Darcy oversees the management of the Charitable Trust, focusing on grant applications. She plays a key role in organising our community events in Matatā, such as koeke gatherings, and provides valuable support to the local Kōhanga Reo and other community initiatives. With a passion for fostering community connections, Darcy is a driving force behind our efforts to enhance the social and cultural wellbeing of Ngāti Rangitihi.
Waitangi Clarke
Pou Ahurea/Cultural Lead
At the heart of Waitangi’s role is a dedication to nurturing the cultural richness of Ngāti Rangitihi. Waitangi spearheads initiatives to revitalise Te Reo Māori, encouraging our Iwi to embrace and preserve their language. She organises celebrations of significant days like Waitangi Day and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, creating vibrant cultural experiences for our community. Waitangi also manages our Iwi database, overseeing the records of nearly 7,000 Ngāti Rangitihi registered members.
Christopher Clarke
Kaitiaki Taiao/Environmental Officer
Christopher reviews technical documents and legislation for resource consents, representing the Ngāti Rangitihi position in line with the Iwi Environmental Management Plan. He also writes submissions for local plans and participates in environmental forums. Christopher supports our Pou Taiao, and plays a crucial role in balancing development with the preservation of the natural environment for present and future generations of Ngāti Rangitihi.
Simon Costar
Cultural Monitor
Simon is passionate about our taiao. As Cultural Monitor, he is responsible for monitoring and promoting our taonga, our natural resources. He comes from a technical trades background and is focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for our Ngāti Rangitihi community in this space.
Jeananne Ward
Kaikaute/Pou Ohaoha
Accountant
With a keen eye for numbers, Jeananne takes charge of our Trust’s finances, ensuring accuracy and financial stability. Her role extends to providing crucial support to the Trading Trust, which oversees investments and businesses on our behalf. Jeananne's dedication and financial expertise play a vital role in maintaining the fiscal health of Te Mana, contributing to our overall success and financial sustainability.
Frances Teinakore-Curtis
Pou Taiao/Environmental Lead
Frances oversees our projects to preserve and restore the delicate ecological balance of our region, including the Tarawera Awa Restoration project – a comprehensive effort to revitalise the mauri of the awa and enhance its surrounding environment. Frances is devoted to our land and water concerns, which aligns well with our overall commitment to the wellbeing of present and future generations of Ngāti Rangitihi.
Miria Nicholls
Kaiawhina Hapori & Taiao/Admin - Environmental & Social
Miria provides essential support for our Pou Taiao and Pou Hapori, helping ensure the success and effectiveness of our initiatives to preserve our environment and enhance community wellbeing.
Destiny Wharewera-Mason
Cultural Monitor
Destiny is committed to helping restore and protect our taiao. She comes from a strong environmental background, having previously worked for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa on a water restoration project (Te Ara-wai Whakahau) to restore the Mauri of the waterways on Ngāti Awa farms. This experience gave her the opportunity to witness firsthand the damage being done to the natural environment, and what can be done to improve it, sparking her passion to work in the best interests of our taiao. Destiny is also pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, inspired by the arrival of her son. Her goals are be able to live like our tūpuna and create a thriving, self-sufficient community for her kids; to be a voice for her kids, people and tupuna; and to be able to sit and talk at the table with local government and have a genuine relationship where we are fully heard and understood.