Board of TRUSTEES
Kate Cherrington - Chair
Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi and Te Kapotai
Kate is based in Pōneke but calls Tai Tokerau and Murihiku home. She has spent over 25 years in the tertiary educational sector, notably with Te Wānanga O Aotearoa. She is a highly respected leader in education management, policy design, quality cultural assurance, Māori language programmes and wānanga development.
Kate serves on a number of Boards in the philanthropic and tertiary sectors. She is highly passionate and committed to all her governance roles, however there is one role that she cares deeply for, and that is as a trustee for Miria Marae in her homeland of Waiomio.
She grew up in Invercargill and truly understands what it means to reside away from her tribal lands, she brings a great wealth of knowledge and educational leadership to Hāpai Tūhono.
Rihi Te Nana B. Ed, MA (Hons), PhD Candidate
Ngāti Hāua, Te Atihaunui a Paparangi, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāpuhi
Rihi is currently employed by BRANZ as the Co-Director Tangata Whenua of the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge (NSC, BBHTC). In this role Rihi oversees the $12.2m of research investments.
As a skilled kaupapa Māori researcher for over a decade, Rihi is committed to research ideas and knowledge that develop and empower whānau and Māori communities to grow and maintain their agency. Rihi is also an experienced family practitioner and healer. She has worked alongside whānau (Māori families) groups to develop and strengthen whānau oranga and (health and well-being) tikanga practices.
Erena Kara
Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Hao, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Kuta, Ngāpuhi
Erena comes from a background of community and iwi development, and holds a Masters in Social Science.
She has worked in various roles to support iwi, hapū and marae communities, iwi and Māori providers and NGO agencies.
She is an experienced project manager who enjoys working with people, listening to their stories and aspirations, and working to weave these threads together to create positive impacts for whānau.
Erena resides in Hokianga, where she was raised.