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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/Pou Hapori
As the Kaiawhina Tari, Linda is the primary contact person for the tari. She also provides support to the Pou Hapori, where she is actively involved in coordinating our iwi and community events. With her strong multitasking skills and dedication, Linda plays a key role in strengthening our community connections and supporting our social, environmental, and cultural initiatives.
Miria Nicholls
Pou Hapori
Miria oversees the management of the Charitable Trust, focusing on grant applications. She plays a key role in organising our community events in Matatā and provides valuable support to community initiatives. With a passion for fostering community connections, Miria is a driving force behind our efforts to enhance the social wellbeing of Ngāti Rangitihi.
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.
Darcy Stoneham
Tiaki Taiao/Assistant Environmental Manager
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michelle Rawiri
Kaiārahi Taiao
Michelle is the Cultural Monitor Manager for Ngāti Rangitihi, supporting the coordination, training, and development of our cultural monitoring kaupapa across the rohe. Working under the guidance of the Taiao leadership team, she helps align monitoring activities with iwi values, mātauranga, and environmental priorities. Michelle brings strong community experience, a collaborative approach, and a passion for protecting taonga species and culturally significant places. Her focus is on empowering monitors, strengthening cultural practice, and ensuring our iwi voice is upheld through all Taiao mahi.