Tā Tātou Poari
Our Board
The Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trusts (comprising of both the Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust and the Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Charitable Trust) are made up of six elected members, three from the Tarakaipa hapū and three from the Pūaha te Rangi hapū.
The Trusts’ mission is to receive, hold, manage and administer the Trusts’ assets on behalf of and for the benefit of the present and future members of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō in accordance with the Deed. Board members meet monthly and also hold responsibilities within the sub-Committee structure. Elections are held annually, and trustees serve three-year terms.
All registered members aged 18 and older are eligible to stand for election and vote.
Nicole Akuhata, Chairperson
Nicole Akuhata, Chairperson
Nicole is a descendant of Pipi Te Mete and was elected to represent the Tarakaipa hapū as a Trustee in September 2022. She became the Chairperson in April 2025. Residing in Whakatū with her husband Karipa and four sons, Nicole is the Director of Māori & Learner Success at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
Adrian Wilson, Deputy Chairperson
Adrian is a descendant of the Mahuika whānau on the West Coast and was elected to represent the Pūaha te Rangi hapū as a Trustee in September 2023. He previously served on both the Trust and Ngati Apa’s Investment company from 2011 to 2018. A lawyer by training, Adrian holds a senior executive role in agri-business in Australia.
Hinemoa Conner
Hinemoa has represented the Pūaha te Rangi hapū as a Trustee since 2011 and served as the Chairperson for the Trusts between September 2019 and March 2025. After a professional career spent in Christchurch, Hine now resides in the Far North.
Clinton Gapper
Clinton is from the large and well-known Gapper family and was elected to represent the Tarakaipa hapū as a Trustee in September 2019. Clinton lives in Picton with wife Nicola and two daughters.
Fayne Robinson
Fayne was first elected to represent the Pūaha te Rangi hapū as a Trustee in September 2018. He resides in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and is a well-known master carver.
Lee Mason
Lee was elected to the board in 2024.