Ngāpuhi Rūnanga CEO leaves to spend time with whānau

Acting Board Chair Carol Dodd has announced the resignation of Allen Wihongi, Chief Executive Officer for Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi.

Mrs Dodd paid tribute to Mr Wihongi for his leadership and service.

“Allen’s contribution to the Rūnanga is immeasurable. His leadership has enabled the Rūnanga to continue to fulfill its purpose to lead the spiritual, social, cultural, environmental, and economic growth of Ngāpuhi. His dedication to the development of whānau, hapū and Ngāpuhi is matched by his humility and generosity towards others to develop themselves in the service of others”.

Mr Wihongi is also held in high regard as an educator and accomplished artist, attending the Elam School of Fine Arts and lecturing at the School of Design at Wellington Polytechnic and School of Applied Arts at Northland Polytechnic. In 2015 he was awarded a Queens Service Medal, becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori, the arts, and education.

“A man of tremendous integrity, Allen has dedicated 12 years to the Rūnanga and advancement of Ngāpuhi” says Mrs Dodd. “The Board expresses their warmest gratitude to Allen and is pleased that he will be able to spend more quality time with his whānau”.

Mr Wihongi will finish in early July. He will be on leave throughout that period and is unavailable for comment. Erena Kara (General Manager) will be interim Acting CEO.

ENDS

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