New Chair for Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust
Source: Rangitane Tu Mai Ra Trust
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Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust has selected Jason Kerehi as their new Chair.
Mr Kerehi, who was a negotiator for the Rangitāne Treaty Settlement, has been a trustee for three years.
The Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā settlement was for $32.5 million in cash plus forestry (4,400 hectares), commercial and
conservation assets. The total value of the tribal asset now sits at $43 million.
Jason says he is humbled but excited by the appointment at such a critical time in the iwi’s history.
"Our immediate goal is to look at the cultural revitalisation for Rāngitane whānau, hapū and iwi. We will continue to
focus on setting up our Tū Mai Rā office helmed by Yvette Grace and who has now been joined by Mike Kawana as one of our
cultural leaders" says Mr Kerehi.
He adds "There are some big issues on the horizon such as housing, employment, forestry, tourism and of course
responsible management of our whenua. The health of our waterways in both Wairarapa and Tararua are also incredibly
important, as is our resilience."
"We need to measure everything we do against our strong values for the wellbeing of not just our people but our whenua."
Jason says there are four new trustees on Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā and they bring a new energy and connection to the people
and what it means to be Rangitāne.
"I’m excited to be working with and leading this Trust and there is a real buzz amongst us all to do the best that we
can for whānau."
Jason added that on behalf of the Trust they wanted to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of the outgoing Trust
members including Taylor Mihaere (outgoing Chair), Mavis Mullins and Mahalia Paewai and wished them all the best.
Trustees are:
- Jason Kerehi (chair)
- Warwick Gernhoefer
- Edward Pearse
and are now joined by newly elected Trustees:
- Mihirangi Hollings
- Sonya Rimene
- Wharemako Paewai
- Lewis Karaitiana
Jason Kerehi Bio
Jason, Rangitāne, Muaūpoko, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Kahungunu, Kai Tahu, has a background in commerce, resource management and
local government, and has previously worked as the Rangitāne o Wairarapa Incorporated CEO. He is currently the Executive
Leader Māori Health for Wairarapa District Health Board. He and his partner live in Masterton with their three tamariki
ENDS