New chief executive appointed for Ngati Raukawa

Waid Crockett has been appointed chief executive for South Waikato iwi, Ngati Raukawa.

Raukawa Settlement Trust chairman Chris McKenzie said he was impressed by the high level of candidates who had applied for the role of managing the tribe’s cultural, social and economic interests.

“Waid brings a strong process and ‘can-do’ attitude, with excellent communication and team-building skills,” Mr McKenzie said.

Mr Crockett had worked in an interim chief executive role for the iwi, following the departure of former general manager Dickie Farrar, who had returned to her Te Whanau o Apanui people to work in a senior management role.

Mr McKenzie said it was an exciting time for Ngati Raukawa, which was entering into the details stage of intense negotiations to achieve comprehensive land settlements.

To date Raukawa has concluded two major negotiations, one settling the tribe’s considerable interests in central North Island forests and, most recently, negotiations on settling outstanding claims concerning the Waikato River. The settlement legislation for this is currently progressing to legislation.

Mr Crockett’s background includes senior management roles in the public and private sectors.

“Raukawa is entering a new and exciting phase that requires strong policies and processes, excellent business skills, alongside a nurturing ethos that supports and encourages the next generation of leaders,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Raukawa will go from strength to strength in expanding as a major economic force in this region. We are the people of the land and we have a vested interest in growing the economic, social and cultural aspirations of this region for our people and for all those who share our communities.”

Background Information:
Ngāti Raukawa is in the process of settling its remaining comprehensive claim. This process follows on from the successful negotiation of claims involving interests in the CNI forests, and in Waikato River.
As a result of recent settlements the Raukawa Trust Board has transitioned into the Raukawa Settlement Trust, which has resulted in the transfer of assets and staff to new entities created as a result of this transition.
The Raukawa Settlement Trust RST) is based in Tokoroa and its tribal boundaries are represented by four Takiwa:

• Maungatautari: Hamilton to Tirau and surrounds;
• Te Kaokaoroa o te Patetere: Tirau (South West) to Tapapa (Te Arawa border);
• Wharepuhunga: Te Awamutu to Otorohanga (Western boarders of Maniapoto);
• Te Pae o Raukawa: Tokoroa/Mangakino to Mokai and Atiamuri to Lake Taupo;

The Ngāti Raukawa Trust Board was established in 1987. Its purpose was to manage the social, cultural and economic affairs of the whānau, marae and hapū of the Raukawa takiwā. In 1994, the name of the Trust was officially changed to ‘Raukawa Trust Board’.
Raukawa is one of four major iwi that make up the Tainui waka, including Waikato, Maniapoto, and Hauraki.

ENDS

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