Trustee Profiles
Get to know our Trustees
These Trustees were elected on the 27 June 2020 and approved through a Māori Land court hearing held on 7 October 2020
The Korongata Marae Trustees - Picture taken on 1 August 2020 at their first hui, Matariki - Te Wharekai o Korongata Marae. Pictured from left to right: Alieta Uelese, Duayne Davies, Alayna Watene, Logan Johnston, Iraani Vlassoff, Traci Tuimaseve, Terri Crawford, Kevin Tamati, Laura Kele, and Templey Armitage.
KEVIN RONALD TAMATI
Represents Korongata 2B1
I was born and grew up in Bridge Pa, attending Maraekakaho Primary School then Hastings Boys High School. After leaving school, I moved to Wellington and took up roles in Gear Meat Company and Dunlops. I began playing rugby league whilst at Petone and, as a result, began a career as a professional player which led to twenty five years playing and coaching in the United Kingdom. During this time, I also played for New Zealand. In 2004, I returned home and became active in marae affairs, holding positions as a trustee and also Chairman. I had a short stint in Australia in 2016, returning to Hastings in 2017. I have a deep connection to Bridge Pa and Korongata Marae and am pleased to serve in the role of trustee once again.
DUYANE DAVIES
Represents Korongata 2B2
“The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” - Gichin Funakoshi (1981).
Ko Duayne Davies taku ingoa
Ko Julia Davies tōku mama
Ko Takapouerangi Hapi rāua ko Mihikore Ngahere Te Pohe ōku mātua
I am a passionate father of six children and husband to my wife Penita nee Saoloto of Samoan heritage, from the village of Āvao in Savai’i.
I am a dedicated martial artist and a practitioner in the art of Kyokushin Karate (the art of ultimate truth or reality of an empty-handed warrior) and my careers spans 35 years as a Branch Chief and the NZ Country Representative, holding the rank of Rokudan (6th-degree black belt) and directly affiliated to IKO-MATSUSHIMA International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan, Japan.
I opened my first dōjō in 1997; then in 2002, my wife Penita and I established our family business Davies Karate Ltd (DK-Kyokushin) and IKO-Matsushima Aotearoa. Throughout our business career, we have been blessed to travel the world with our children, allowing the opportunity to connect with many indigenous people and their cultures.
My professional attributes include motivational speaker, high-performance coach, strategic and tactical analysis, life coach/mentor, and star-maker, creating countless rangatahi Māori and young kiwi’s regional and national champions. My feature achievement was being the first and only New Zealander to create three World Kyokushin Karate Knockdown Champions.
My wife and I are actively involved in serving our diverse communities during covid by delivering food and care parcels. We are also members of the USO Bike Ride organisation supporting cancer and mental health awareness for Pasifika people. I have completed ultra-marathon events like Triple Peaks in Havelock North (50km), Tarawera in Rotorua (65km), and the length of Taupo (67km).
Also, my wife and I are completing our final year of our master’s degree in applied indigenous knowledge, He Waka Hiringa at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
I am looking forward to positively contributing to the endeavours of our Korongatā Marae Whanaunga. I appreciate that we will face challenges ahead, but unitedly, with the understanding of our people, and our generations to come, we will all proudly lift the status of our Ngāti Pōporotanga for everyone to enjoy.
LAURA KELE
Represents Korongata 2B3
This karanga traces its origins to the battles over Te Pakake Pā. Here a young captive of Korongatā was taken to Te Matā – Te Tipuna. There she let out an anguishing cry as she bid farewell to her homeland composing; E noho rā, Heretaunga, Ōtatara, Titiokura, Tanenuiarangi, Kuripapango, Waimārama, Te Matau a Māui, Kahurānaki, e Koro e.
She then looked back at Te Mata and her Koro, Kahurānaki the poutokomanawa of Heretaunga tormented as she was being taken deep into the Waikato. The young captive was my great-great-great grandmother, Okeroa Kuikui, the Matriarch of Korongatā. She was forty when she returned to Heretaunga with her daughter Winipere, Winipere’s son Karaitana Kamau was the original claimant for Mangaroa and Te Awa-o-Te-Atua blocks, here Korongatā Marae, a papakainga was set aside, established under the mana of Okeroa Kuikui.
Ko Korongatā te marae,
Ko Mangaroa me Te-Awa-o-Te-Atua Tūranga Tū,
Ko Paritūa rātou Ko Karewarewa, Ko Karukaru ngā waipuna.
Ko Ngāti Poporo te hapū, Ko Ngāi Te Whatuiapiti te iwi, Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi whanui.
Ko Karaitiana te tangata.
Ko Whakaihirangi Karaitiana Kamau taku pāpā,
Ko Dora-Lei Kamau taku māmā.
Ko Manuele Kele taku hoa rangatira,
Ko Laura-Margaret Ngahere Te Pohe Kele ahau.
The youngest child of six, we moved back to Bridge Pā when I turned seven. Raised in Bridge Pā and taught Kamau whānau taonga tuku iho by my father and Uncle Dave. Pursued and completed a Bachelor of Arts at Waikato University, completed a Diploma in Design and Art (raranga, taaniko and kowhaiwhai) through Marae Based Studies with Ngāti Kere in Porangahau under the umbrella of Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Gained my (1st class) honours degree at the University of Canterbury in History and went on to complete a Master of Arts in History (with Distinction). Other tohu include, Certificate in Literacy Tutoring (L5) and National Certificate in Literacy and Numeracy Educator (L5) Certificate in Financial Literacy,(L3) and Kiwihost Advanced, currently studying towards a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. Have developed and delivered workshops in whakapapa, thinking critically, writing and reading skills. Have published with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre and Palgrave-MacMillan as an ‘early career academic’.
I have written and have presented extensively on NZ constitutional history, - Mekana Tata, Te Kotahitanga, Whānau, Hapū and Iwi narratives, Te Rākatō – the land and his people, Te Korowai o Rongomaiwahine, Kamau whakapapa – Winipere’s Lament, Korongatātanga, Migration and Settlement Patterns following the battle of Te Pakake Pā, Cultural Assessment for Te Mata, Māori Sovereignty, Rangatiratanga, Te Mana o Te Wai – Impacts on our Water and Community, ‘virtual iwi’, and Student ‘Equity’. I have also developed, terms of references, strategic plans, kawenata, engagement plans, work plans and streams, Charitable Trusts, affidavits. Highly skilled writer, interviewer, collaborator and facilitator.
Currently a Trustee for; Ngāi Te Rākatō Iwi Trust – Co-claimant for WAI2982, Te Rākatō Social Services, (Adult Education) Ngāi Te Rākatō Historian, Te Mimi o Hinewehi Trust, Heretaunga-Tamatea Settlement Trust-Korongatā Marae, (Mana Whenua Policy Working Group), Korongatā Marae Trustee (Paiheretia te Muka Tangata, Ōranga Marae, Te Mana o Te Wai).
Current Board memberships include; Literacy Aotearoa, New Zealand Music Therapy Association, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington Academic Board (Professional Staff Representative) New Zealand Historical Association, New Zealand and Australia Legal and Historical Association, ATLAANZ and ANZSSA.
My vision as a Trustee for this tenure is to;
-
Enable Korongatā Marae to receive its historical redress
-
Reopen our Marae for bookings by fixing Nukanoa (Refer to Paper by Prof. Regan Potangaroa)
-
Development of Korongatā Marae Complex through Ōranga Marae
-
Create a centralised ‘taonga tuku iho’ base
I have extensive professional and personal networks and experience in leading teams, groups of volunteers, project management and coordination with a ‘can do’ work ethic.
ALIETA UELESE
Represents Korongata 2B4
Our lineage connection to Korongata is through our mother, Huia Tuimaseve (nee Tunua) - our father Asovale, is Samoan. My connection now as a 53yr-old Maori/Pacific mother of three is to strengthen that connection for myself so that my kids and future generations can feel connected to this place also.
I was born in Hastings. My siblings are Traci (54), Ruth (50) and Logan (42). We grew up at Royshill, went to Bridge Pa school and attended church at Bridge Pa surrounded by cousins, aunties, uncles and nannies. Although we were young then, I still feel a connection to those memories.
I married a wonderful husband, Api, and have three confident, talented children aged 19, 22 & 26yrs. Api died of cancer in 2012 but my children continue to inspire and support me. Family and being active in the gospel are definite priorities in our lives.
My work background is in Admin/Finance at Māori Affairs/Te Puni Kōkiri, Tourism in Auckland and in Education now as Company Director for 20 years of a Tertiary private training provider based in Hastings, Napier and Waipukurau.
I have experience being on various boards over the years and am currently on EIT’s Pacific Advisory Group and local and national advisory panels for Ministry of Education and Tertiary Education, also Hastings Choral Society.
ALAYNA WATENE
Represents Korongata 1A
Born and raised in Korongata, by my koro Te Kaurauna (Mack) Whakamoe and my nan Meriana Maurea Morgan. I am a 4th generation member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
With my ex-Glen Watene we built our whānau home on ancestral land and developed a 4.5ha orchard. We raised three wonderful children and are grandparents to 9 mokopuna.
In my career I have had many notable achievements, not only in the Māori development sector but also in the commercial sector where I am well known and respected. As CEO for Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga (1993-2013) I was recognized nationally when I was named the Māori Women’s Welfare League Business Woman of the Year in 2007, for Overall Excellence in Business & Best Employment Creation. Regionally I was recognised at the Westpac HB Business Awards in 2008, when I was awarded the HB Chamber of Commerce – Business Person of the Year.
Other executive management positions I have had:
-
Rongowhakaata Iwi (Settlement) Trust (CEO)
-
Poutini Waiora, West Coast (CEO)
-
Mana Enterprise Manager (Te Runanganui o Ngati Kahungunu)
Also I have had many governance roles including:
-
Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Trustee 1990 – 2000 & 2016 – 2018
-
He Toa Takitini Trust (Pre settlement Heretaunga Tamatea)
-
Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust
-
Hastings District Council Maori Standing Committee (Chair)
-
Aotearoa Network of Indigenous Health, Research & Development Trust
-
Tu Meke First Choice Primary Health Organisation (Chair)
-
Healthcare Aotearoa Inc (Chair)
-
HB District Health Board (HBDHB)
-
HBDHB Disability Support Advisory Committee (Chair)
Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi
Co-operation where everyone does their part, the work will be complete.
TERRI RIPEKA CRAWFORD
Represents Korongata 1B
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngai Tuhoe
Master of Arts (First Class Honours), Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts
Director - Korou Productions Ltd, NZ
As indigenous peoples our emotional intellect is inherently connected with our environment. The intersecting energy between whenua and people is essential to our way of being.
Aspirations for Korongata: To assist the 100% return of positive Mauri to the whenua. Toward rekindling the restoration of Mauri to all aspects of personal wellbeing and collective economy // To deepen and expand the range of creative practice and research for Korongata and Ngāti Poporo ethos and kaupapa Māori methodologies // To open up the range of possibilities for Mauri inspired ecological design to frame, develop, grow and sustain the mana of Korongata and Ngāti Poporo // To be a beautiful and inspiring place for whanau to enjoy and reconnect to.
A highly analytical and methodical intellectual and talented Artist within the realms of NZ Contemporary Māori Dance, with a proven track record of completing leading edge, performance-based research, supported and funded by some of New Zealand’s well-respected art development organisations. Have contributed to the production and performance of landmark events in the field of Indigenous dance. Demonstrate thorough attention to detail, in the production of reports, research, analysis and assessment, acquired from years as a Māori & Pacific Development Lecturer and as an innovative artist. Accustomed to working within financial parameters and strict time restraints and often exceeding expectations. Have built sound relationships within the art community, both nationally and abroad and have acted as a positive and proactive role model to new and emerging talent.
Terri’s major project is the development of “Goddess” a Dance Opera in te Reo Māori. The original research and concept development emerged from the overarching theme: ŪKAIPŌ – Celebrating Mother Earth and Mother Nature. ”You heal me, you heal Papatūānuku”. Advocating positive social and environmental change through multi-arts and performance. The process includes deep and considered engagement, workshop intensives, experiential field trips, and consultation with elders, professional artists, Māori language and culture experts and community Aotearoa. Currently also engaged with a Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga based Circular Food Economy project “Kai Whakaora”. He Kai whakaora, he hua no te whenua – Let food from the land reset and restore. Food passions are vibrantly connected with the integrity of pure living foods and the ethos of abundance, connection to the whenua and sharing amongst whanau and community. Much of Terri’s inspiration around kai is a reflection of traditions and ideals learnt from whanau, Bridge Pa memories and Waimarama.
Terri has danced professionally with Lemi Ponifasio’s Mau Dance Theatre in major International arts festivals to: Venice, Papeete, Vienna, London, New York, Aotearoa. In 2000, worked with choreographer Alejandro Ronciera in the creation of Aboriginal dance opera ‘Bones’ Banff Centre for the Arts. 2000 to 2001, dancer for Torotoro Dance - Mika Haka. Terri has facilitated Wānanga such as Te Rea – Performance Innovations Platform 2004 under the umbrella of Te Ope o Rehua, Toi Māori Aotearoa, for which Terri was an active voluntary member from 2001-2008.
Received a 'Ngā Pae o Te Maramatanga Travel Fulbright Award' and represented her work in Ūkaipō Dance Opera alongside a panel of Indigenous Contemporary Dance academics and practitioners at CORD, The US Dance Congress, Riverside California, 2013. From 2001 – 2010, Terri worked as a lecturer for the University of Waikato and the School of Māori and Pacific Development focusing on contemporary Māori dance technique, choreography, and allied art forms. In 2014, Terri was the Whakapiri Community Engagement Facilitator for the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and Atamira Dance Company. 2015, the NCEA Dance educator for Flaxmere College. 2017, Performance Manager for Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre.
Awards: Te Waka Toi - 2011 - Ūkaipō - to research and consult on a new dance opera in te reo māori $42k // 2014 - Ūkaipō - to develop the libretto for a new dance opera in te reo māori $40k // 2019 - Ūkaipō - to develop the music for a new dance opera in te reo māori $65k // 2013 - Fulbright- USA travel award // 2016 - Intercreate Scanz Mahia, Residency // 2013 - Intercreate Scanz Taranaki, Residency.
Skills: Conceptual Design // Creative Development // Production Management // Theatre Production // Event Management // Promotion and Marketing // Budget Management //Advanced Computer Literacy // Programme Facilitation // Written & Oral Communication // Research // Grant & Funding Applications // Understanding and application of tikanga & te reo Māori.
Professional Memberships: 2017 – Current - Trustee Arts & Culture Board, Ngāti Kahungunu Runanga // 2012-2020 - Member Ngā Aho - Māori Designers & Architects // 2002-2008 Te Ope o Rehua Board Member, Toi Māori Aotearoa - Māori Arts NZ.
LOGAN JOHNSTON
Represents Korongata 1C
Age: 53. Born: Hastings, New Zealand
Married to Sheree nee Mataira, with four sons, Logan jnr, Tainui, James, Te Ariki.
Whakapapa to Korongata through my mother Alice Joyce nee Maere, Grandfather Whareki Horomona Maere, and Grandmother Wairukuruku Tata Maere.
Diverse work experience including Load Controller/Load Controller for Qantas Airways, various social service roles including Housing Tenancy Manager for Housing NZ and Community Probation Officer with Corrections.
Currently self-employed. Managing Director of View Security – Security Services. Director PH & LJ Ltd offering labour services. Director – Tecnesian (Startup IT company), Director – Traafic (Startup IT company).
IRAANI RENEE VLASSOFF
Represents Korongata 2A
Tena koutou katoa whānau
I am 47 years old and currently living in Drury, Auckland.
I am married to Erik Vlassoff who was born and bred in Murupara
He has two older daughters and we have two sons Cole 19, Konrad 15 and we have 5 mokopuna.
I was brought up and lived on Ngatarawa Road, Bridge Pa and the marae beween the ages of 8 and 19.
I am grateful to have connections to Korongata on both my father and mothers side.
My father Reupena is named after his grandfather REUPENA PARAHI who is one of the original block owners of Korongata 2A and Te Awa o Te Atua 78B2C. My mother Georgina Waihi, her grandfather ARTHUR ALOESE WILLIAMS was sent from Samoa in the early 1920s to Korongata to go school at M.A.C. He is also the great grandfather of Sonny Bill Williams.
I am currently employed as a Senior Recruitment Consultant for a New Zealand owned agency. In my role I am sourcing and reaching out to qualified candidates, serving as a go between them and hiring managers, interviewing and coordinating the hiring process. This also involves building a rapport and engaging with key stakeholders, negotiating contracts & terms of business.
I look forward to my tenure as a Trustee and will represent my whanau and hapu for the next 3 years.
TEMPLEY ARMITAGE
Represents Te Awa o Te Atua 7B2C
Kia Ora koutou whanau
Ko Kahuranaki te maunga
Ko Ngaruroro te awa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Korongata te marae
Ko Ngati Poporo te hapu
Ko Ngati Kahungunu te iwi
Ko Templey Armitage toku ingoa
I am the daughter of Te Peeti Rewiri Onekawa and Mihi Kite-iwi Whakaware Brown. I was born in Hastings and grew-up in Bridge Pa. I have always maintained an interest and connection to the area.
I’m married to Peter Armitage and together we are the proud parents of 5 sons and 2 daughters.
I attended Hastings Girls High School and Eastern Institute of Technology. I have over 30 years’ experience working in the health sector in various roles in Hastings,
Napier and Auckland.
I am thankful and excited to be elected as a trustee and am looking forward to
working with and for you all.
TRACI TUIMASEVE
Represents Te Awa o Te Atua 7A
I te taha o tōku Pāpa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko te Moananui a kiwa te moana
Ko Ngāti Hāmoa te iwi
Ko Salamumu te hapū
I te taha o tōku Māma
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Kahuranaki te maunga
Ko Ngaruroro te awa
Ko Korongata, Omahu ngā marae
Ko Ngāti Pōporo, Ngāti Hinemanu, Te Upokoiri ngā hapū
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi
Ko Asovale Tuimaseve raua ko Huia Tunua oku mātua
Ko Traci Tuimaseve ahau
Whānau
My siblings are Alieta Uelese, Ruth Wong, and Logan Tuimaseve. When my grandparents passed away, my parents were able to whangai my older cousins Steven and Rewa Tipu.
I was born in Auckland, spent my earlier years in Royshill and Samoa, my teen years in Raureka and most of my adult life in Flaxmere, with a short six-year stint in Auckland somewhere along the line.
Passion
I love to sing, laugh, play, travel and eat with my family. We play hard, fight hard, but also love hard. I love seeing the kids excel at things they’re passionate about. I love to play basketball and volleyball and will one day get back to those things. I love to travel when funds allow and would still like to see more of the world if border restriction ever improves here and abroad. A warmer climate, soft sand beach and good food are my travel priorities. I love art and anything that’s creative [design, set design, form design, painting, computer graphics, videography, multi-media, performance….]. I especially get a kick out of creating an awesome audience experience, whatever the genre.
Church
I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and strive to live a life that reflects those values and beliefs. I serve in the Wellington/South Island regional church communication team, as the Flaxmere Stake executive secretary and music director, and as ward pianist and primary worker in Flaxmere Second Ward. I acknowledge my many human imperfections and have not always made the best choices, but hope that I’m improving as I get older.
Work
I have had a varied professional background working at Dawn Meat & Richmonds to save for my church mission, as a tourism consultant at Auckland Airport for six years, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga in health, quality assurance, human resource, and projects for seven years. I left Taiwhenua in 2007 to pursue my passion for events and graphic design and set up Trailmedia in the process [T-Traci, R - Ruth, A - Alieta, I - evolved from &, L-Logan]. I have been blessed to work in many community, local, regional, and national events. In 2011, I set up Innov8 Group Ltd with a business partner where we strive to challenge agency funded contracts to provide better whanau-centered and community-based services.
Community
I currently chair the HDC Flaxmere Planning Committee, the HBDHB Pacific Health Leadership Group, working on an initiative to set up the HB Pacifica Community-Intersectoral Hub, and now this incredible new role as a trustee with our marae. Not an easy juggle with such different and uniquely diverse target audiences.
Summary
As you can see, my priorities in life are family, church, passion, work, and community. I believe that my family and church are my rock and anchor. I can’t do anything without them. I find balance by integrating my passions into my work. I can only assist in my community if I have the resources, capacity, and capability to be able to do that mahi. In taking on the challenge of becoming a trustee at Korongata, I’ve had to assess how this role fits with those priorities, the time and energy I can devote to this kaupapa, and what skills and experience I can contribute to help progress, improve, and benefit the whānau of Korongata.
Specific Values
-
Whanau - Tuimaseve, Uelese, Wong, Tipu, Dewes, Teariki - to name immediates - We are steadfast in unity, creative, musical, rich and varied cultural heritage, we act as a family unit, and connected in all sectors of our community, and a neutral perspective.
-
Passion - I bring a creative approach to marae challenges, whānau based outcomes, creating a positive growing experience for all our whānau.
-
Church - Gospel values will be vital in helping us move forward together. I bring skills in communication, administration, organisation, project planning, and decent facilitation.
-
Work - Project management and event experience, design skills, reliable connection with local and regional stakeholders, challenge the status quo, whanau-centered outcomes, community development planning
-
Community - Strategic thinking, working with a diverse and strong-minded audience, working with local government and agencies, facilitating consensus within groups with conflicting agendas, advocating on behalf of and support community initiatives, developing community plans.
