NKHA annual general meeting and election of trustees

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General meeting

The Ngāti Kere Hapū Authority is hosting it's annual general meeting and electing trustees.

The AGM will be on on Sunday 4 October 2026, 1.30pm at Rongomaraeroa Marae.

AGM papers

AGM papers including agenda, last agm minutes and Chairman's report (DOCX, 187KB)

About the election

Four of the five elected Trustee seats are open at this election. The seats held by David Tipene-Leach, Jim 
Hutcheson and Keri-Anne Stephens have run their 4 year term, and one seat is vacant.

Emily Tutaki was elected in 2024 and her seat is not up for election. 

Sitting Trustees whose seats are open may be nominated for a further term (Trust Deed clause 29(a)). 

Nominations

Nominations closed midday Thursday 24 September.

Nominees

David Tipene-Leach

I am a member on Tipene Matua whānau.  I have been a general practioner, a public health doctor and research profession in my professional life.  I have served on a number of boards including the Treaty Settlements board of He Toa Takintini and I have been Chair of NKHA since its inception.  We have pursued a number of community projects over the last 4 years including the Parimahi access track, the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve review, the Marine and Coastal Area claim, the flood rebuild in the township, the relationship with INGKA after the fire, a cultural heritage review site and trying to engage whānau and landowners with businees opportunities.  I would like to help us pursue the 'coastal visibility project', support the Marae build, gain a 'forever' access to Parimahu, and get the tauihu of the waka Tamatea-ariki nui back to Rongomaraeroa.  Then I can retire at the next election.

See David's nomination form and statement (PDF, 321KB)

Helena Winiata

I am a member of the Rākapa whānau. I am a mokopuna of Frank LaBassee & Maymorn  Sciascia. I live in Pōrangahau and am an active member of our hapū on our marae and within  our community. I am passionate about our language and culture, our Kere and Māoritanga.

My qualifications include:

  • Raising four successful tamariki Māori (my most fav qual)
  • Bachelor & Master of Mātauranga Māori; Te Wānanga o Raukawa
  • Bachelor of Performing Arts; Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
  • e Panekiretanga o Te Reo; Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
  • Dipolma in Adult Education; Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

I have presented at national and international confrences and published journal articles on  Karanga and Rangahau. I have also contributed written articles to the Hākui, Ngā Tuahine and Pōrangahau School Jubliee books. I am currently a contracted kaiako reo of Te Aupikitanga ki Te  Reo Kairangi for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I have my own successful pākihi Māori.

I have been a member and performer in Tamatea Arikinui since the 1980’s, I have been the  kaitāki wahine and a tutor for many successful regional and national performances representing  Ngāti Kere and Ngāti Kahungunu. I am a recognised hapū and iwi kaikaranga. I am currently the  Rongomaraeroa Marae representative on the Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Board.

I have served as a Marae Trustee and held the Chair position in my second term. Being willing to  step into positions of service is a challenge, especially in Pōrangahau. It is character building  with lots of teachings. I have had some time away from such mahi and now return as a land owner and find that quite different to be honest.

I enjoy bringing our people together, to find our own solutions, I believe we have the answers  within us. I love being home in Pōrangahau. I have dreams for a better future for our tamariki, our  mokopuna, kia ūkaipō anō te reo being one of them. I believe we need to have a Te Kōhanga Reo  at home and a Kura that provides for our tamariki Māori, our mokopuna Kere.

I believe I have skills and experince to bring to the Ngāti Kere Hapū Authority. I have enjoyed my  time with the board in the past 4 months and extend my thanks to David and other Board  members who have held positions of service. Kia kaha ki a tātau o Ngāti Kere kia kotahi atu tātau  ki mātāhauariki, mō ngā uri whakatipu te painga.

Nāhaku ngā mihi, 
Helena

See Helena's nomination form (PDF, 1.3MB

Jim Hutcheson

I am a permanent resident of Porangahau. I have been a worker, employer and  contractor all my life. I have championed the Tangata Kaitiaki group looking after our  sea-coast and fisheries. I have another term left in me to finish the Parimahu and  coastal visibility projects. 

See Jim's nomination form (PDF, 81KB)

Election

There are only three nominees, they will automatcally be elected and voting is not required.

 

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