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January 16, 2023
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei announces retirement of Whai Rawa Board Chair
Media Release
Posted On January 16, 2023
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei announces retirement of Whai Rawa Board Chair
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust announced the retirement of Michael Stiassny, who after 11 years of dedicated service is stepping down as Board Chair of the iwi’s commercial investment arm, Whai Rawa effective in February 2023.
One of the most respected directors in Aotearoa, Michael’s strong business acumen and leadership has helped to deliver positive commercial and social outcomes for the hapū.
Charged with protecting and growing the iwi assets, Michael has ensured Whai Rawa is prudent in its investments in land and property. Under his chairmanship, the iwi asset base has grown by more than 400% and is now worth $1.6billion.
Marama Royal, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Chair says Michael has made an immense contribution to the hapū during his tenure and has strived to bring about positive and lasting change for whānau.
“Michael has given his service to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for the past 11 years, leading the Whai Rawa Board with dedication and commitment. He will leave Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in an undeniably strong financial position which will provide significant support for the future direction of our people.
“His tautoko and aroha for the ambitions of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has been demonstrated in his efforts and resilience to ensure that the generations to come have a positive and lasting legacy.”
Michael has led Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa to be able to launch key initiatives such as Toi Tupu – an iwi funded savings and investment scheme and Toi Ora iwi funded health insurance cover for all members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei with Nib.
His leadership was invaluable during the delivery of projects such as the award-winning whānau housing developments Kāinga Tuatahi where 30 whānau were able to borrow from the iwi to purchase a newly built, architecturally designed whare and Kāinga Kaumātua – 10 whare co-designed by kaumātua for kaumātua on the papa kāinga, as well as Oneoneroa, the country’s first commercial residential development led by an iwi developer.
During his time as Chair, Marama says Michael has helped to drive the vision for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
“He has worked tirelessly to both strengthen our position as tangata whenua in Central Tāmaki, and our position as a strategic and economic partner in the growth of the city and country. Michael has led our ambition to see the Ports of Auckland moved to open up our treasured Waitematā moana for better use by the public, and the regeneration of our taiao.
“Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei thank Michael and especially his whānau who supported him in his role with us over the past 11 years. He will leave behind a lasting legacy in his position as Chair.
Kei te ihu manea, kua riro a Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei i ā koe me tō whakapau kaha kia tuku, kia rere arorangi te Kāhu pōkere ki ngā taumata tiketike. E kore e oti a reo mihi ki a koe, tēnā rā koe.”
The board will elect a new Chair in the coming weeks with recruitment currently underway.
ENDS
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