24 May 2007
For Immediate Release
Chief Executive Announcement
Robert Macfarlane Chairman of the Te Puia Board announced today the appointment of Te Taru White as the new Chief
Executive of Te Puia.
Previously Te Taru White was the Kaihautu at Te Papa Tongarewa, a position he held for six years. As Kaihautu, Te Taru
worked in partnership with the Chief Executive to lead the bi-cultural development of Te Papa.
“We are delighted to obtain the services of someone with Mr White’s experience”, said Mr Macfarlane. He has strong
personal links with Te Arawa and his work with Te Papa enabled him to acquire extensive knowledge and build strong iwi
networks as well as tourism sector networks both here in New Zealand and overseas.”
Te Taru White has held senior management roles over a period of 28 years in the public and private sectors and prior to
that qualified as a geologist and spent 12 years practicing in that field.
“Te Taru will bring to this position a high level of cultural awareness, excellent knowledge of the tourism sector and
sound management skills that will enable Te Puia to move confidently into the future”, said Mr Macfarlane.
End