Four new trustees appointed to the Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board, along with the reappointment of Arapata Hakiwai, will ensure the legacy of Te Māori continues.
The reappointment of Mr Arapata Hakiwai (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu) and the appointment of four new trustees - Tā Selwyn Parata (Ngāti Porou), Ms Puamiria Parata-Goodall (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Kahungunu), Mr Ngataiharuru Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa), and Ms Evie O'Brien (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pikiao) - aims to build on the cultural achievements of Te Māori.
Established by founding trustees Tā Hirini Moko Mead, Wiremu Cooper and Te Aue Davis, the Trust was relaunched in 2015 with a broader focus. Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says "Te Māori stands as one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most significant cultural achievements."
The reappointment comes as Te Māori marks its 40th anniversary, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Māori culture. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka acknowledges Garry Nicholas' commitment to reviving and strengthening the Trust.
The new appointments will help carry forward the legacy of Te Māori into the future.