Leadership Team

Pou Ohanga

Boyd is from Takapūwāhia, with a career shaped by a Pā worldview. He has extensive experience as an Executive Leader, Director, and Business Advisor across Māori, public, and private sectors. His expertise spans business transformation, strategic management, and deal advisory. An award-winning business leader, Boyd holds advanced tertiary and industry qualifications in Executive Leadership, Commercial Governance, Business Management, and Technology. He understands the complexities of a fast-changing economy and creates meaningful opportunities for iwi and communities.

Pou Rautaki

Carra Hamon (Ngāti Toa, Ngaruahine, Ngāti Porou) has extensive experience in public service, covering strategy, investment, monitoring, social services, and governance, with a focus on fairness and community needs. She holds a Master of Public Management and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from Victoria University, which helps her tackle complex issues effectively. As Pou Rautaki, she guides Ngāti Toa's strategic direction, ensuring it aligns with the iwi's values to benefit present and future generations.

Pou Manaaki

Christian Kātene earned degrees in Arts, Law, and Commerce at Victoria University of Wellington and completed a Chartered Accountancy qualification while at KPMG. With 15 years in finance, he has held key public sector roles, including Finance Director for the NZ Army and Deputy CFO at Oranga Tamariki. His expertise encompasses auditing, risk management, and financial leadership, making him a trusted advisor in corporate governance and resource management. As Pou Manaaki, Christian ensures that Te Rūnanga's financial systems support the iwi's aspirations.

Pou Ratonga

Jennie Smeaton (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga) is the Chief Operating Officer of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira. She has experience in leadership roles in public and iwi sectors, focusing on Māori Development and operations. With a background in communications and environmental management, she has served on several governance boards. Jennie co-wrote Imagining Decolonisation and holds an Executive MBA from Victoria University, applying a comprehensive approach to ensure operational excellence aligned with Ngāti Toa values.

Pou Tikanga Reo

Kahu o Te Rangi Ropata (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Pōrou) is an advocate for te reo Māori, knowledgeable in traditional practices and karakia. A graduate of Te Panekiretanga and Te Mātāpunenga, he upholds Ngāti Toa cultural heritage. As a former board member of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Kahu works to revitalize te reo Māori for future generations through wānanga reo, whakapapa, and kōrero tuku iho for Te Hokowhitu Toopu and the iwi. He is also an experienced kaiako, having taught at Kura Kaupapa and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, contributing to iwi initiatives and the community.

Pou Pūtea

Leon Grandy is a seasoned director with qualifications from Victoria University, Massey University, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. A former banker and officer in the NZ Reserve Forces, he has held leadership roles at HSBC, AXA, and ABN AMRO Bank. As a major shareholder of Armillary Limited for over 20 years, Leon oversees the USX, which has a market cap over $3.3 billion. Armillary offers investment banking and corporate finance services, highlighting Leon's financial expertise. As Pou Pūtea, he enhances Ngāti Toa's financial systems, ensuring sustainable management and investment growth for the iwi.

Pou Toa Matarau

Rawiri Faulkner is a Senior Executive Leader in local government and Crown agencies. As Pou Toa Matarau, he leads the Ahurea Taiao Team at Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, focusing on environment, treaty settlement, and culture. An experienced Hearing Commissioner, he contributes to consent hearings and plan reviews. His iwi work includes developing strategic plans and government procurement applications, highlighting his support for Māori initiatives. With a strong grasp of governance and cultural leadership, Rawiri advances Ngāti Toa aspirations in environmental and cultural areas.

Pou Tikanga

Dr. Taku Parai grew up at Takapūwāhia Marae near Rangituhi, a place that shaped his life and values. The kindness shown by his elders and their commitment to cultural practices influenced his dedication to iwi leadership and identity. As Pou Tikanga, he offers guidance on cultural matters, aligning projects with Ngāti Toa's values. Taku emphasizes caring for visitors and prioritizes support for elders, valuing their wisdom. He is also focused on preparing future generations to inherit a rich cultural legacy. His leadership approach ensures that Ngāti Toa's cultural foundations stay strong while balancing tradition and new ideas.