Johnny McGregor, Chair
Johnny was previously an Associate Director of Wakatū. He is a Kono Director, and also sits on the Audit & Risk Committee and Chairs the Human Resource Committee. Johnny’s professional qualifications include a Masters in Education Research. Johnny has extensive experience in senior leadership roles across Aotearoa. He serves on a number of boards and expert advisory groups, and is an Executive Member on the Federation of Māori Authorities. Johnny lives in Wellington and is of Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua descent.
Jeremy Banks, Deputy Chair
Jeremy is a previous Associate Director of Wakatū. He has an Honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Otago and his commercial experience includes running and growing software businesses. Jeremy is of Ngāti Rārua, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kuia descent.
Pat (Rore) Stafford
Rore is a member of the HR Committee and Manaaki Board, as well as the Board Kaumatua, which requires him to represent the Board and owners at various hui throughout Te Tauihu and Aotearoa. Rore resides in Maniapoto and is actively involved in local Marae committees. He is of Ngāti Rārua, Kinohaku, Ngāti Tama and Ngāti Maniapoto descent.
Russell (Barney) Thomas
Barney is the local Iwi Manager for the Department of Conservation and resides in Nelson. He is a Director on the Whenua Board and Chairs the Manaaki Board. Barney is of Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāi Tahu descent.
Miriana Stephens
Miriana was previously an Associate Director and Scholarship recipient of the Incorporation. Miriana is a Director on the Whenua Board, the Wawata Board (which oversees a JV relationship with T&G), and is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee. Miriana also leads our health-solutions business AuOra. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand History, and a Law Degree majoring in Commercial Law. Miriana holds external directorships in a public and private capacity. Miriana was born and raised in Motueka and is of Ngāti Rārua, Ngāiterangi and Ngāti Ranginui descent.
Jamie Tuuta, Advisory Board Member
Jamie is a highly accomplished director with a diverse background spanning iwi development, agribusiness, fishing, investment, health, housing, Māori development, tourism, philanthropy, and education.
He currently serves as chair of Whakaata Māori, Taranaki Mounga Project, Sealord, and Pou Tahua (the economic grouping of the National Iwi Chairs Forum), and also holds directorial roles at Moana NZ, Port Taranaki, and several iwi investment vehicles.