New appointments to Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board

New appointments to Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 October 2026

Outgoing Chair of the Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board, Hikitia Ropata, today announced the appointment of four new Poari members.

“As kōwhai blossom across our rohe with the return of kōanga, a season of new growth, we are pleased to also mark renewal within our Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board leadership.

“I acknowledge the ongoing leadership and guidance of our three mana whenua iwi entities — Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust, Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.”

The new appointments are:

  • Paula Collins (Mana Whenua seat) – Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngā Rauru, Te Āti Awa
  • Kiri Rikihana (Mana Whenua seat) – Ngāti Raukawa-ki-te-Tonga, Ngāti Korokī hapū Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai Otarau/Kaitangata, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
  • Teremoana Porter-Rawiri (Rangatahi seat) – Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Mutunga
  • Luke Barnsley (General seat) – Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou

At their September meeting, Poari members agreed the transition provided an opportunity to welcome new members while retaining the valuable skills and experience of kaumātua Dr Taku Parai (Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Tama) and mana whenua representative Hinemoa Priest (Te Āti Awa, Ngā Ruahine ki te Rangi).

Hinemoa Priest and Paula Collins were elected as new Poari Co-Chairs. The call for applications process saw strong interest, reflecting the depth of talent as well as commitment to improving health outcomes for whānau.

After more than three years of service, Hikitia Ropata (Chair), Tio Taiaki (Deputy Chair), Tane Cassidy (Ngāpuhi) and Dr Vanessa Caldwell (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) completed their terms of office last month. Ms Ropata thanked departing members for their leadership.

“It has been a privilege to serve alongside dedicated Poari members who are determined to make a meaningful difference for our whānau. There is still much to do, but we have laid important foundations for the next Poari to build upon.”

“Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa i ā koutou mahi. Kia kaha tātou ki te mahi tahi mō te oranga o ō tātou whenua, ō tātou wai, ō tātou whānau.”

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Please email Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board communications, christine.ammunson@atiawatoaimpb.nz