Press Release: Raukawa Settlement Trust

Date: Tuesday February 21, 2012 - for immediate release.

Vanessa Eparaima has been elected chairwoman of South Waikato based iwi Raukawa.

Mrs Eparaima was elected by clear majority to replace departing Raukawa Settlement Trust (RST) chairman Chris McKenzie who did not seek a second term as chairman.

The election of chair occurred at the quarterly RST board meeting held at Mangakaretumarae, near Putaruru, yesterday.

Mr McKenzie was recently appointed as a senior political adviser, a position which required him to stand down as chairman. He remains on the Raukawa Settlement Trust board.

Mrs Eparaima, who is the Mokai marae representative on the RST, said she was honoured and humbled by the strong support from her fellow board members.

“These are exciting times for Raukawa. I am honoured to be in position where I will work with my fellow trustees and Raukawa staff, to continue the strong momentum already achieved for our iwi to date”.

She said there were significant milestones on the horizon for the iwi, including the completion of outstanding Treaty of Waitangi Settlement negotiations, and the review and implementation of the post settlement structures best suited to ensure Raukawa achieves its potential as a post settlement iwi.

“We are confident we will conclude our settlement negotiations with the Crown in the coming weeks, and we are continuing to review and enhance our governance and management structures to ensure we are using our resources and man-power most effectively to drive Raukawa development.”

Mrs Eparaima is the inaugural chair of Raukawa Iwi Development Ltd (RIDL), the commercial arm of the iwi, set up to protect tribal assets and to grow the wealth of the tribe. A share of profits from RIDL fund social and cultural initiatives for Raukawa marae and hapu.

The company which has an asset and investment base of more than $47 million was formed in July 2010. Mrs Eparaima will stand down as chairwoman of RIDL in June this year, once remaining director vacancies has been filled and the process of electing a new chair has been completed.

Departing chair Chris McKenzie said he was grateful to have someone with Mrs Eparaima’s talents and dedication for the iwi,to continue the positive work progressed in recent years.

“It has been an honour to serve the people of Raukawa, and my commitment to our people will continue. I am humbled to have been able to assist the iwi as chair, and I am excited by the leadership skills that Vanessa brings to the table in leading our people.

“She has been an excellent chairwoman for our commercial company and has worked diligently building our commercial company from scratch, and in implementing the structures and systems to ensure Raukawa returns as a powerful economic force in our rohe.” - End

Background:

Vanessa Eparaima (Raukawa, Tuwharetoa, Waikato-Tainui)

Businesswoman Vanessa Eparaima is also the inaugural chair of Raukawa Iwi Development Ltd (RIDL), the commercial arm of Raukawa which manages assets and investments valued at more than $47 million.

With extensive background in the tourism, business training and assessment sector she brings a wealth of management and governance experience to her role leading the commercial arm of Raukawa and as the new chairwoman of the RST.

A former chief executive in the tourism sector Mrs Eparaima is a director or trustee on a range of commercial and not-for-profit groups.

With a strong background in investment and leadership Mrs Eparaima is driven by clear expectations around best business and governance practise to achieve the best potential for Raukawa.

Mrs Eparaima has a strong background not only in management and leadership in Maori performing arts, but has been a strong proponent and practitioner for many years.

Raukawa Settlement Trust.

The Raukawa Settlement Trust (RST) is the governance body representing South Waikato based iwi, Raukawa. The Trust is made up of 27 trustees, representing 16 Raukawa marae, and thirty two hapu.

The RST is based in Tokoroa and its tribal boundaries are represented by four pou. These are:

• Maungatautari

• Te Kaokaoroa o te Patetere

• Wharepuhunga

• Te Pae o The RST is the new post-settlement entity for the iwi, which transitioned from the Raukawa Trust Board, established in 1987. The RST is focused on lifting the social, cultural and economic opportunities for more than 20,000 tribal members.

Today Raukawa is one of the largest Maori social service providers in the country.

Raukawa is one of four major iwi that make up the Tainui waka, including Waikato, Maniapoto, and Hauraki.

ENDS

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