About us

Raukawa Whānau Ora is a limited liability company with Te Rūnanga o Raukawa as the sole shareholder.   This legal structure provides the Iwi with the means to have control and influence at a governance level and to minimise its liability through reduced involvement in management decisions.

Raukawa Whānau Ora was formed with the vision to maximise our contribution to the survival and wellbeing of Māori as a people through the design and delivery of kaupapa based services.

The companies board is named Te Mana Whakahaere and it has six kaitiaki (directors) This group reflects experience in large Crown and commercial entities, local government, senior managers in the regional health industry (Crown and Iwi), tertiary education and finance.

Anne Carter

(Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga)

Anne has 30 years of experience in the New Zealand public sector, working in a number of Government Departments ranging from the Department of Maori Affairs, Te Puni Kōkiri, the Office of the Auditor General, Women’s Affairs, Youth Affairs, and the Department of Internal Affairs.

She has held senior leadership and management roles, including as Chief Executive of the Ministry of Youth Affairs from 1999-2003. She was head of the Local Government and Community Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs from 2004 – 2010.

She has completed two leadership and organisational development programmes at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the New Zealand Institute of Directors Governance Essentials Course.

Anne was a Commissioner with the Local Government Commission from 2011 – 2015. She is currently a member of the Governing Body of Te Wānanga o Raukawa and Chair of the Voice Arts Trust.

John Barrett

 Chairperson

(Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Raukawa)

John  is the managing director and co-owner of Kapiti Island Nature Tours and Kapiti Nature Lodge on one of New Zealand’s largest natural treasures – Kapiti Island.

John has previously served as Chairman of NZ Maori Tourism Council, as a Board member of Tourism NZ and a foundation member of the WINTA Leadership Council.

He remains active in Maori higher education, tribal and community development roles.

Piri-Hira Tukapua

Artwork by Piri-Hira Tukapua is dotted across Horowhenua, and while she might not be widely known outside the district, her work has been seen by millions worldwide.

Tukapua was among a team of artists to design the artwork for New Zealand uniforms at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2011 her work was picked as one of eight official designs for merchandise for the Rugby World Cup.

As the founder and director for Taitoko Design and Print, Piri-Hira has developed extensive networks within the regional and national market. Her focus has been on meeting the changing trends to ensure the business stays current and competitive, contributing to the growth and development of our clients businesses.

Piri-Hira is now in her second term as an elected councillor with Horowhenua District Council and is   qualified Commissioner of the Resource Management Act.  Council Committees include: Finance Audit & Risk, Hearings, Education and Youth.

Other local roles: Altrusa, Horowhenua Learning Centre, Raukawa Whanau Ora Ltd, Horowhenua Economic Development Board, TANS, York Street Every Girls Rally.

As a successful business owner operator of 10 years, PiriHira is no stranger to hard work, high standards and innovation.

Paddy Jacobs

He uri au no Ngati Wehi Wehi, Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngati Huia ki Katihiku, Ngati Toarangatira, Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngai Te Rangi hoki. Ko Paddy Jacobs toku ingoa.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Maori Health from Te Wananga o Raukawa, Dipl of Frontline Management, and Certificate of Business.

I am Chair of the Ngati Wehi Wehi Marae Committee, Vice Chair of Te Runanga o Raukawa, Board member of Manawhenua Hauora, Secretary of Te Tumatanui Treaty Claims Cluster, Trustee  Ngakaroro 3D1 5B2 .

Work History:  Most of my worklife has been in the health sector working for the Midcentral District Health Board,  which evolved from the Manawatu-Whanganui  Area Health Board, Crown Health Enterprise etc.

I have a strong sense of justice and fairness, and believe in doing things “right”. People are what matter the most and preparing our mokopuna for a better life is important to me.

In my view we as Maori must work towards regaining more control over the resources that underpin the wellness of our communities.

I have been married to Jeremiah Jacobs, Ngati Kahungunu Ngati Ruapani for 45 years, together we have 6 children,  5 living, and 9 mokopuna.  All have a strong Maori identity and te reo Maori is the 1st language for many of our mokopuna.