Media Statement                                                                                                

E ngā iwi o Maniapoto. Chairman of Maniapoto Māori Trust Board, Tiwha Bell has announced today the confirmation of the appointment of Sonya Hetet (Ngāti Hinewai, Ngāti Taiwa, Ngāti Unu) as Chief Executive (CE) of the Board.

This follows the robust search over several months to appoint a CE to manage the process towards the development of a new governance entity for Maniapoto, which will include the disestablishment of the Board.

“We welcome the skills and knowledge that Sonya will bring to the position. Sonya has been a Senior Manager at the board for almost 8 years holding several leadership roles in the settlement and overlapping claims areas.” says Mr Bell.

Over the past four months, Sonya has been acting as interim CE and has remained focussed towards leading the team through these exciting times.

“The opportunity to assist in moving Maniapoto forward on behalf of the iwi, with the support of our people, is a privilege. There is an extraordinary amount of mahi that lies ahead and as CE I look forward to supporting the Board in achieving the best outcomes for Maniapoto me ōna hapū maha”  says Mrs Hetet.

The appointment will take effect immediately.

For more information contact:

Uenukuterangihoka Jefferies

027 8558286

Uenuku@maniapoto.co.nz

Communications Co-ordinator

Maniapoto Māori Trust Board

A muri kia mau ki tēna, kia mau ki te kawau mārō, whanake ake, whanake ake!