Our Leadership Team

John Tamihere

Ngāti Porou ki Hauraki, Whakatōhea | Chief Executive

A strong advocate for positive Maori development within communities, John as CEO continues to pave the way for leading edge models and best practice for Whānau transformation.

In 1994 John became Chief Executive of Waipareira. He has also served as Chairman of the NZ Māori Rugby League Board and was responsible for the successful campaign of having a NZ Māori/Indigenous Rugby League team play in the Rugby League World Cup.

John entered Parliament in 1999 and served as a Cabinet Minister in the Labour Government from 2002 to 2004. In 2006 he returned to his position as Chief Executive of the Waipareira Trust.

Awerangi Tamihere

Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitane, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tahu | Director Social Impact & Innovation

Awerangi oversees our Insight to Innovation to Impact platform. This includes Wai-Research, Strategy & Innovation, Change & Transformation, Brand & Design and Social Media.

Brad Norman

Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua | Director Data & Performance

Brad oversees all our data and reportage requirements across all services and ensures that our Whānau Tahi system is configured to meet need kaimahi needs and reflect whānau outcomes.

Jacqui Harema

Ngāpuhi | Director Whānau Ora

Jacqui has had a long, successful history with Waipareira exhibiting an exemplary skillset and a highly effective management style that is invaluable across many areas of the organisation. Currently her main focus is Wai Atamai.

Maria-Pare Tewhiu

Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa | Te Reo Māori & Tikanga Lead.

Advisor of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga to Waipareira and Back Office staff.

Irirangi Mako

Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāruahinerangi | Director Kōrure Whānau

Charmaine Newson

Ngāi Tahu, Kati Waewae, Waitaha, Ngāti Konohi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Rakaipaaka | Director Funding and Contracting

Oversee the contracts that Waipareira enters into with funders and proposals that are submitted for prospective contracts.

Danielle Cuthers

Ngāpuhi | Director Wai Atamai

Kathryn Dobbs

Ngāti Porou | Director Wai Tautoko |

Kathryn is a pivotal member of our Executives leading the team of corporate services – otherwise known as the backbone of Waipareira.

Hector Kawai

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Maniapoto, Tūhoe | Director Wai Research |

Hector looks after the Wai Research team and has overall responsibility for managing the research and evaluation programme for Waipareira.

Christine Wu

China | Chief Financial Officer

Christine has oversight of all financial transactions and ensures we have robust financial systems in place.

Michael Zheng

China | Director Information Communications Technology

Michael handles and oversees all information and communication needs for all our services and kaimahi.