Following our latest trustee elections, we have three new trustees to introduce: Melanie Cheung, Taichi Playle and Tia Warbrick.
Melanie Cheung
Growing up in Edgecumbe, Melanie has been interested in Ngāti Rangitihi politics for the past ten years and is passionate about transparency, social justice and the desire to see tikanga/kawa prioritised within Trust processes. With a PhD in neuroscience and a career history in Māori health, Melanie has presented at the United Nations in New York and has met iwi leaders from all over New Zealand. Melanie believes we need to work together to achieve and strengthen our social, economic, health, environmental and cultural bases, and to uphold our mana and keep our home fires burning. She asks the question “are you ready for it to be US for US?” Melanie’s grandparents were Kaui Rondon and Alan Caverhill; their daughter Potchie (Robin) is Melanie’s mother.
Taichi Playle
Taichi is a current trustee of Ruawahia 2B Trust, having previously worked for five seasons with the Wilding Pine Crew. He and his partner, plus their six tamariki, have lived in Matatā for the past seven years, and Taichi plays an active role within the community. His passions include rugby and hunting for kai, and, with a “PhD in spud-peeling” at the marae, he is committed to helping our people plan for their future and to focus on our values as whānau.
Tia Warbrick
Tia co-leads a busy consulting company, providing management, policy and project management services to a range of government and iwi-based organisations. With experience in a number of management roles within government, Tia has an extensive knowledge surrounding human rights, the workings of government and the settlement journey. As the chairman of the Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Charitable Trust, she considers it vital that we strengthen our focus on developing economic, cultural, social and environmental capital. She believes that balancing the needs of today with the investments of the future has never been more important and sees our combined knowledge and diversity as one of our greatest strengths to create our legacy for our whānau.