Business leader and Māori advocate Karleen Everitt has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in recognition of her outstanding services to Māori and business.
A respected leader of Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi and Te Iwi Morehu descent, Karleen Everitt has dedicated her career to advancing economic development, leadership, education and governance opportunities for Māori across Aotearoa New Zealand.
For nearly two decades, Ms Everitt has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to strengthen Māori participation in business and improve social and economic outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi. In 2006, she established Manaaki Solutions, a consultancy focused on supporting the growth of the Māori economy and developing Māori leadership capability.
Her influence has extended across regional and national organisations. From 2017 to 2018, she became the first Māori and first woman to chair Northland Inc, Northland’s Regional Economic Development Agency, following four years as a director. Her leadership helped shape economic development strategies while ensuring Māori perspectives remained central to regional growth.
As General Manager of Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust, Ms Everitt spearheaded a range of programmes supporting Māori education, leadership and research. Among these were Te Mahe Mātauranga, the National Māori Science Competition, and Hei Rātā Whakaruruhau, an initiative supporting emerging leaders stepping into Māori governance roles.
Under her leadership, the Trust developed strong partnerships with organisations including Victoria University of Wellington and the Federation of Māori Authorities, where she also served as a Strategic Advisor. Her commitment to education and governance was further demonstrated through her service on the NorthTec Council between 2015 and 2017.
Ms Everitt has also played a significant role in strengthening Māori educational institutions. As Deputy Chair of the St Stephen’s and Queen Victoria Schools (SSQV) Trust Board, she championed efforts to reopen the historic schools, helping preserve a legacy of Māori educational excellence for future generations.
Her leadership continues to influence New Zealand’s corporate sector. Since 2021, she has served as a Director of Global Women New Zealand, supporting greater diversity and leadership opportunities for women. That same year, she was appointed to lead ANZ Bank’s Te Ao Māori Strategy, helping guide one of the country’s largest financial institutions in building stronger relationships with Māori communities and businesses.
In 2024, Ms Everitt’s contribution to Māori business leadership was further recognised when she received the prestigious Dame Mira Szászy Alumni Award at the University of Auckland’s Aotearoa Māori Business Leaders Awards.
Her appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit acknowledges a career defined by visionary leadership, unwavering advocacy and a commitment to empowering Māori through education, governance, economic development and business innovation.
The honour reflects the significant and lasting impact Karleen Everitt has made on communities throughout Aotearoa and her enduring contribution to the advancement of Māori aspirations.
