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The country’s largest provider of kaupapa Maori disability support services has appointed a new chief executive, continuing the clean-out that started when allegations emerged about fraud.
Tania Thomas will join Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust in January.
She most recently served as the director of the Families Commission’s Centre for Family and Whanau Knowledge, after spending 12 years in the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner, first in the role of director of advocacy and then as deputy health and disability commissioner.
She also has governance roles with Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngati Kahu.
As CEO Ms Thomas will be responsible for leading the growth and development of the trust, which has about 500 staff supporting 250 mokopuna at homes around the country.
Te Roopu Taurima chair Brian O’Shea says Ms Thomas is an established leader in the disability sector with a stellar reputation and a record of action and achievement.
He says she also has considerable experience in corporate and health care governance, which will stand the trust in good stead as it continues its restructuring.
Ms Thomas’ appointment follows the October 2014 appointment of four new board members: Mahaki Albert, Grey Keay, Moana Sinclair and Merepeka Raukawa-Tait.
Te Roopu Taurima hit the headlines earlier this year ago when management was alerted by staff to the activities of its assets manager, including allegations of kickbacks for maintenance contracts and vehicle purchases.
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