Gisborne District Council has confirmed the appointment of Te Pūoho Kātene and the reappointment of Ron Aitken to the Trust Tairāwhiti Board of Trustees.
Deputy Mayor Josh Wharehinga says both appointments bring a wealth of experience to the table, aligned with the Trust’s focus on long-term regional wellbeing.
“Te Pūoho brings deep expertise in values-based investment and Māori governance with a strong connection to Te Tairāwhiti. His international perspective and commitment to sustainability, equity and impact will be an asset to the Trust,” says Deputy Mayor Wharehinga.
“We’re also pleased to reappoint Ron Aitken for a further term. Ron’s commercial expertise and balanced approach reflect his long-standing dedication to the region and its success.”
Te Pūoho Kātene is an accomplished executive, strategist and investment leader. Currently CEO of Tapuwae Roa, he oversees an intergenerational fund delivering sustainable community investment.
With governance roles across the Ākina Foundation, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, and impact investment funds, Te Pūoho brings strong financial stewardship and a proven ability to align investment with tikanga Māori and community outcomes.
Ron Aitken is a chartered accountant and experienced business advisor with over 30 years' experience across corporate, SME and public sectors.
He currently provides strategic governance through Aitken & Associates and has held senior leadership roles at Leaderbrand. A lifelong resident, he is passionate about building strong, thriving communities through balanced commercial and social development.
The new appointments follow the conclusion of trustee John Clarke’s term. The Council wished to sincerely acknowledge Mr Clarke’s decades of service to Tairāwhiti and his integral role in the Trust.
As a founding trustee and former Chair, his leadership and commitment have left a lasting legacy across the region. His contributions to local government, iwi partnerships, and regional development have been immense — and will continue to benefit the people of the region for years to come.
Trust Tairāwhiti is the sole shareholder of Eastland Group and the regional development agency for Te Tairāwhiti. Other current trustees on the board are David Battin (Chair), Dr Warren Williams, Nicki Sutherland and Dan Jex-Blake, alongside Mayor Rehette Stoltz.
Council has the responsibility of appointing trustees under the Trust Deed, guided by its Board Appointments and Remuneration Policy.