Media Release – 14 October 2013
‘New Chief Executive Announced’
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Adele Whyte as the Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi
Incorporated Chief Executive.
In May this year, Adele became the Acting and later, Interim Chief Executive when the position was vacated by the
successful election of Former Chief Executive, Meka Whaitiri, to the position of Labour Party Member of Parliament for
the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate. Prior to this, Dr Adele Whyte held the position of Director of the Fisheries and
Environment Unit for the past three years.
Dr Adele Whyte is from Ruahapia Marae and Ngāti Hawea hapū. Adele attended Victoria University of Wellington and
completed a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Ecology & Biodiversity, and Genetics. In 2000 Adele was the recipient of two prestigious scholarships. She completed her Masters
research investigating the origins of Māori and Pacific peoples’ using DNA. Her PhD research investigated the use of
mussels as indicators of marine pollution. Adele also received NKII scholarships to assist in her studies at University,
and designed her doctorate studies specifically around the needs of the Iwi. In 2006, Adele was employed by Victoria
University as a lecturer and researcher in the School of Biological Sciences, teaching courses in Biochemistry,
Biotechnology and Marine Conservation. During this time she was also a technical advisor to the steering group
developing the Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai - Marine and Freshwater Strategy for Ngāti Kahungunu.
“We are pleased to have been able to nurture and grow our own Chief Executive”, says Ngahiwi Tomoana, Chair of Ngāti
Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, “and on behalf of the NKII Board and Iwi, I congratulate Adele for attaining this position,
and we recognise her enthusiasm, integrity, manaaki and commitment to the staff and the Iwi. We look forward to Adele
evolving and developing new skills that will enhance the performance of the Iwi as a whole.”
“We’re delighted that Adele is helping to build our membership and she is going on maternity leave at the end of
October. During her absence, Director of the Health and Wellbeing Unit - Jenny Smith will be the Acting Chief
Executive”.
Tihei Kahungunu
Ngāhiwi Tomoana
Chairman
Ngāti Kahungunu is the third largest iwi comprising 9% of the total Māori descent population (2006 Census).
Geographically the tribe has the second longest coastline in the country, from the Paritū near the Wharerata ranges in
the northern Wairoa District to Turakirae in Southern Wairarapa.
ENDS