Our Board of Directors sets the strategic direction of Wakatū Incorporation. 

They are guided by legislation and policy in line with corporate governance best practice. 

Paul Morgan | Chairman

Paul is the Chairman of Wakatū Incorporation. He has been a Board Director for 24 years. He is a member of the the Kono Board, the Audit and Risk Committee as well as Human Resources. Paul is a shareholder in FOMANA Capital in Wellington. He has held a number of commercial directorships, Government-appointed advisory groups and industry initiative groups. Paul is of Ngāti Rārua and Te Māhurehure descent.

James Wheeler | Deputy Chairman

James has been on the Board member since 1996. He was elected Deputy Chairman in 2010. Currently on the Kono Board, Chairman of the Human Resources Committee and Wakatū representative on Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga - Treaty of Waitangi claims company. Previously employed with Tohu Wines, James contributed to the recognition and growth of Tohu. James lives in Lower Hutt and is a Justice of the Peace. James is of Te Ātiawa descent.

Pat (Rore) Stafford

Rore is the Kaumatua Director of Wakatū. Previously the Deputy Chairman. He has been a Director for 25 years. In his role as the Board Kaumatua, Rore ensures that historical responsibilities are met. Rore is a member of the Human Resources Committee and a Director on the Manaaki Board. Rore is of Ngāti Rārua, Kinohaku, Ngāti Tama and Ngāti Maniapoto descent. He resides in Maniapoto.

Russell (Barney) Thomas

Barney has been a Board Director since 2004.  He is a Director on the Whenua Board and Chairs the Manaaki Board. Barney holds diplomas in Matauranga Māori and Māori Philosophy and Law through Te Wānanga o Raukawa. He is the local Iwi Manager for the Department of Conversation and resides in Nelson. Barney is of Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāi Tahu descent.

Waari Ward-Holmes

Waari has been a Wakatū Director since 2000. On the Kono Board and is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. He also represents Wakatū on the Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga Company. He lives in Auckland and has held a number of commercial directorships. Waari is of Ngāti Tama and Te Ātiawa descent.

Johnny McGregor

Johnny joined the Board in 2009. He previously held the Associate Directorship of Wakatū. Now he is a director on the Kono Board and the Committees of Audit & Risk and Human Resources. Johnny’s professional qualifications include a Masters in Education Research, a BA in Public Policy and Psychology and a Diploma in Teaching. He lives in Wellington and is the Chief Executive of PINZ Limited. Johnny is of Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua descent.

Miriana Ikin

Miriana joined the Board in 2009. Previously an Associate Director and Scholarship recipient of the Incorporation. Miriana sits on the Whenua Board and the Audit and Risk Committee. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in New History and a Law Degree, majoring in Commercial Law. Miriana was born and raised in Motueka and is of Ngāti Rārua, Ngāiterangi and Ngāti Ranginui descent.

Robert (Bob) Shore | Independent Director

Bob is the Independent Chair of our Whenua Board and Director on the Kono Board. Bob is a former long-standing Wakatū Board Director. He is based in Nelson and holds a number of professional directorships.

Lees Seymour | Independent Director

Lees was appointed an Independent Director on the Whenua Board in 2008. He has been actively involved in the Te Pae Tāwhiti project with our Alumni. Lees is based in Nelson and is the Managing Director of Nelson Forests Limited. Lees is of Ngāti Hikairo descent.

Joy Shorrock | Independent Director

Joy is a recent addition to the Manaaki Board. She holds many local directorships including Ministerial appointments with the Department of Conversation and Kaiteretere Recreation Reserve Board. A weaver actively involved in wānanga, Joy is passionate about the environment and kaitiakitanga. She is of Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama and Ngāti Koata descent.  

Sian Holden | Incorporation Secretary

Siān became the Incorporation Secretary in December 2007. She is a commercial lawyer, and Partner at Pitt and Moore Lawyers in Nelson. Siān is a graduate of Auckland University in both science and law.