Building future leaders

Auckland hapū, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, has appointed two aspiring future leaders as part of its Future Directors’ succession and governance programme.

Faiz Salim and Otene Hopa have been welcomed to the board of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa, the commercial arm of the hapū, in the third intake of their Future Director programme.

Otene, Maori Advisor, an orator in both Te Reo Māori and English, and renowned kapa haka exponent, is thrilled to be given the opportunity to further his connection with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and share whakaaro (ideas) that explore a range of possibilities for the betterment of the hapū.

“I was raised in Whangārei so this role allows me to reconnect to my Ōrākei taha. I look forward to spending more time at the marae while I learn about our commercial interests, expand my knowledge and gain insight into the property portfolio,” says Otene.

Faiz, a Project Manager in Civil Engineering, sees this role as a chance to sit alongside leaders in the industry and get a sense of how decisions are made that impact whānau.

“I want to get a better understanding of governance and how that differs from the management level. It will be great to be involved in setting the direction for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa,” says Faiz.

Chief Executive Andrew Crocker says it is an exciting time to bring Otene and Faiz to the board table with their diverse skillset and a youthful focus on what matters to whānau.

“This programme is something we are very proud of and we continue to be impressed by the calibre of applicants from within the hapū. Our goal is to equip the future leaders with the tools they need to take the hapū from strength to strength for generations to come.”

The Future Directors will attend all Whai Rawa Board meetings during their two-year tenure and like all board members are invited to participate in board matters, however, will not have voting rights.

The hapū is committed to building the future leadership through governance experience and training for younger people. The Future Director programme provides exposure to the boardroom environment to create a greater talent pool of knowledge and skills among the hapū.