Te Hanga South Lands Trust Past Kaitiaki
Over the years we have worked alongside some amazing Kaitiaki.
Past Kaitiaki
Alby Knap
Trustee
Alby is from the Poumako whānau. He is of Ngāti Kirihika and Ngāti Kahu hapu from Wairoa Marae in Tauranga. Alby had a long career in education.
He held a number of governance roles in Māori and iwi owned entities in agribusiness and health, in addition to his role as past Chairman of Te Hanga South Lands Trust.
Merv taylor
Trustee
For many years, Te Hanga South Trust worked closely with Merv Taylor to develop the land to the east of Kakahu Road comprising blocks A8, A9 and Section 71. Merv (reluctantly) and Nellie concluded their contract in May 2022 with a wealthy, well-earned retirement in a Matamata retirement village having achieved his desire to develop the land belonging to Te Hanga South Trust shareholders to its current, fertile, more manageable weed-controlled, fully fenced good quality pasture to suit dairy grazing along with better water supply and adequate races. His final years were due in part to the high quality efficiency of his newest manager Jeremy O’Reilly.
Paul Christianson
Associate Trustee
Paul Christensen served for several years as the Advisory Trustee for Te Hanga South Lands Trust joining inn the early 2000’s. His strengths were in farming and was instrumental to working with Merv Taylor in developing the land to where it is now.
By the 2023 AGM, he had retired from his advisory role, with the AGM report offering “special thanks” for his contribution.
RUTHANA OKEROA BEGBIE
Trustee
Ruthana is well versed in the management of Māori Land, and was the only remaining foundation trustee of the Trust appointed in 1981 until her retirement from the trust in 2023. Ruthana is also a trustee of the Te Raparahi Lands Trust in Te Waotu and was also the initial administrator of the Te Waotu Lands Trust. Along with serving on the Trust, Ruthana plays an active role on her marae, within the local community & with the Raukawa Settlement Trust