13 January 2023
Long-standing and highly regarded Wakatū and Kono Board Chair Paul Morgan, CNZM, stepped down this week from the Chair role for a sabbatical to recognise his long service.
Paul has served more than 30 years on the board (including 22 years as Chair), and 40 years with Wakatū.
The decision comes following Paul’s recent appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) as part of the New Year honours’ list. We are very proud of the national recognition of Paul’s leadership and of the Wakatū whānau.
Paul is widely respected in Aotearoa and globally as a Māori leader, strategist and entrepreneur, and has been at the centre of economic development and political advocacy for Māori for over 30 years.
In 2009, he was named the most influential Māori leader (non-government) by The Listener. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Whakahaere Māori, Māori Governance Award. In 2021, he was inaugurated into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his work over many years leading the Wakatū Board, as well as his significant contribution to many other sectors across Aoteaora and internationally.
This year he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to Māori and business – one of just 14 people to receive the honour. The work Paul and Wakatū has led over many years in litigation against the Crown to reclaim Māori customary land in Te Tauihu was given special acknowledgment. This work is on-going.
Wakatū Incorporation CEO Kerensa Johnston said it was impossible to acknowledge all that had been achieved under Paul’s guidance and leadership.
“Paul has been instrumental in developing leadership and educational opportunities for our whānau, establishing our export food and beverage business Kono NZ, championing national and global reform for Māori and indigenous people, and much more. We are incredibly grateful for his remarkable leadership over many years, which will continue.”
Wakatū will continue to benefit from Mr Morgan’s wisdom and experience as he supports and mentors new leaders through the transition and continues to support Wakatū on key strategic projects.
Johnny McGregor (Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa) will take over as Chair of the Wakatū Board; Jo Davidson has been appointed Chair of Kono NZ, and Jeremy Banks (Ngāti Rārua, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kuia) has been appointed as a director to the Kono Board.