Tatau Tatau O Te Wairoa Trust Announces New Chair And Deputy Chair

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust has confirmed the appointments of Pieri Munro as Chair and Moana Rongo as Deputy Chair, effective following the Board hui held on 28 November 2025.

Pieri Munro has served as Deputy Chair since the Trust’s establishment and brings more than 40 years of distinguished public service to the role. His career includes senior leadership positions such as Deputy Chief Executive, Iwi and Community for the New Zealand Police; Te Pou Whakarae for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council; and Co-Chair of the Te Ara Poutama (Corrections) Māori Leadership Board. He has held roles within MBIE, WorkSafe NZ, and the oil, gas, and forestry sectors, and continues to support national collaboration across regional and unitary councils through Te Uru Kahika. Born in Wairoa, he affiliates to Ngai Te Ipu, Ngāti Hinepua Ngāti Hine, and Ngāti Poporo.

Mr Munro says he is honoured by the appointment.

“I feel very privileged to be appointed Chair after serving as Deputy Chair since 2017. It has been wonderful to support Leon, and I hold huge acknowledgement and respect for his leadership through some of the toughest challenges our rohe has faced.

“I am also grateful for the trust and confidence shown by the Kāhui. As Chair, my focus is to strengthen engagement, uphold the confidence of our directors, and reset some of our practices so that we operate with a strong service ethic. We are here to serve our people, and it is important we reconnect authentically with them.”

Mr Munro also referred to recent independent research and Kāhui engagement undertaken by the Trust.

“The feedback was clear—our engagement has not been regular or sufficient. In the new year, I intend to lead changes that help rebuild confidence in how we operate on behalf of all our people.”

Moana Rongo, who returns to a leadership position after serving as a trustee during the Trust’s original establishment phase, brings valuable institutional knowledge and strong commercial experience. His appointment is expected to strengthen alignment between the Trust’s strategic direction and the commercial activities of its subsidiary board, E Tipu.

Chief Executive Lewis Ratapu said the appointments provide the Trust with steady, capable leadership at a pivotal time.

“Pieri and Moana bring a depth of experience and a genuine commitment to our people. Their leadership will help reaffirm our priorities, maintain momentum across key programmes, and strengthen governance across the group,” he said.

Mr Ratapu also acknowledged outgoing Chair Leon Symes for his years of service.

“We extend our deepest thanks to Leon for guiding the Trust through some of the most challenging periods in our recent history—COVID-19, cyclones, and severe flooding. He played a central role in establishing our organisation and laying the foundations we continue to build upon. His legacy is one of stability, resilience, and dedication to our people.”

Pieri Munro and Moana Rongo will now work alongside Kāhui representatives, directors, and members to strengthen relationships, reaffirm priorities, and ensure the Trust continues to serve the people of Te Wairoa with integrity and purpose.

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