Board of Trustees
The Runanga was incorporated as a Society in 1991 and has a on-going 20 year history of serving its people. Recent changes have seen the structure of the Runanga change to a common law trust operating via a trust deed. The signing of various accords over previous years have seen significant steps forward for our Iwi receiving back some of our treasured taonga and also co-managing areas in our rohe.
Roger Pikia | Chairman
Roger was appointed to the board as the Whai Ohanga o Roopu representative (Land Trusts Rep). Roger brings with him a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience to the board. He has represented Iwi on a number of local and national boards.
Roger has also been heavily involved with Iwi affairs for a number of years. Roger has played an instrumental part in settlements for the Iwi.
Felicty Nepia | Ohaki Marae Trustee
Ko Tauhara te pouwhakamutunga o te whare.
Ko Ohaki te poutokomanawa.
Ko Tutukau te whatitoka.
The whare I was born into carried the breath of Tahu Matua. For my whakapapa was woven with purpose, and the heartbeat of my tūpuna. From wānanga to research, I seek to uplift our iwi identity through whakapapa – connection to whānau, marae, whenua and atua. Every step is a stitch in the cloak of revival — he kākahu mō te iwi, he taonga tuku iho.
Blanche Reweti | Mataare Marae Trustee
Appointed as the representative for Mataarae Marae serving her first term, Blanche was raised in Reporoa by her kuia and koroua, Charlie and Maisie Reweti. Blanche has spent the last 10 years employed as the office manager for the trust and looks forward to stepping into a governance role. Having held governance positions in education, commercial and charitable organisations she has diverse knowledge in various industries, which she hopes will be useful during her time of service.
Evelyn Forrest | Te Toke Marae Trustee
Appointed to the board as the Te Toke marae representative. Evelyn served as a secretary for 7 years for the Te Toke Marae Trust and currently serves as the treasurer. She has had roles on the Anchor Reporoa Volunteer Fire Brigade, Reporoa Te Kohanga Reo and St Stephens Parish. This is Evelyn’s second term on the Runanga board having been re-elected in the February 2013 Elections, she has recently been appointed as the Te Arawa River Iwi Trust representative for the Runanga.
Corey Kawenga | Waimahana Marae Trustee
Kaare Kawenga, known as Cory, is a proud uri (descendant) of Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa and the mokopuna (grandson) of the late Nora Hurihanganui. He carries forward her legacy of service, humility, and commitment to whānau and hapū development.
Grounded in the values of whanaungatanga (relationships), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and manaakitanga (care for others), Cory brings a practical, community-minded approach to all that he does. He has experience in trades, operations, and project coordination, combining hands-on knowledge with a focus on people and outcomes.
Cory is passionate about sustaining the wellbeing of whānau and whenua (land), and ensuring that decisions made today strengthen the collective future for mokopuna (future generations). His leadership style reflects humility, collaboration, and respect for tikanga Māori (customs and protocols).
As part of the rūnanga, Cory aims to contribute to initiatives that enhance economic opportunities, education pathways, and environmental sustainability — honouring the vision and values passed down from his tūpuna (ancestors).
Perry Fletcher | Advisory Trustee
Perry was appointed to the Board as an Honorary Life Member. Perry has spent over 20 years capturing history of both our iwi and many others.
He provides valuable information to the board on culturally significant sites and Waahi Tapu areas.