Patrick Gemmell joins as Kaiwhakahaere Matua | Chief Executive, Tangata Whenua

Hui E! Community Aotearoa is proud to announce the appointment of Patrick Gemmell as Kaiwhakahaere Matua Tangata Whenua, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This co-leadership model reflects a growing recognition across the community sector in Aotearoa of the need for leadership structures that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensure authentic partnership between Māori and non-Māori perspectives in decision-making. The co-leader model will create space, and shift resource, to Māori leadership and advocacy within a tangata Tiriti organisation.

Hailing from Hawke’s Bay (Ngāti Pāhauwera) and residing in Northland, Patrick was the inaugural executive officer at Te Matapihi, a peak body advocating at a national level for Māori housing outcomes. Patrick also brings extensive experience as a senior public servant across Education, Justice, Environment, Housing and Māori development sectors.

"Patrick's appointment comes at a crucial time when our sector, particularly hapū and kaupapa Māori organisations, face significant challenges," said Katie Bruce, Tangata Tiriti Chief Executive, Hui E! "His experience navigating government systems while maintaining community accountability will strengthen our ability to advocate effectively for the sector."

Patrick will be welcomed by the Hui E! board at a pōwhiri in Tāmaki Makaurau on 1 September 2025.

About Hui E! Community Aotearoa:

Hui E! Community Aotearoa is a national peak body supporting the tangata whenua, voluntary and community sector with information and opportunities to connect and grow. We convene, connect and champion the collective voice of communities to advocate for transformational systems change and a community-powered Aotearoa that gives effect to Te Tiriti. Hui E! supports thought leadership, connected social infrastructure and collaborative strategic research and advocacy.

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