Our Board

Maata Smith-Tauwhare is a descendant of Ngāi Tahu / Ngāti Wheke. Maata was born in Lyttelton and had an amazing childhood raised in Rapaki, attending West Lyttelton Primary School then onto Te Wai Pounamu College. Initially trained to be a home science teacher, however with the support of my family and friends I retrained as a Primary School Teacher while my three sons were young.

Maata is a retired Deputy Principal and is the current Chairperson of the Whakaraupō Carving Centre Trust. Maata has been a Board member since 2010. Maata passionately believes in the kaupapa of the Carving Centre and the amazing staff and board who support it. Currently Maata is thoroughly enjoying my retirement, reading a massive amount of books and babysitting her gorgeous Mokos.

Riaana Deacon-Tauwhare is a descendant of Ngāi Tahu / Ngāti Wheke. Born in Lyttelton, Riaana had a wonderful childhood at Rapaki.

She attended Lyttelton West primary school then onto Te Wai Pounamu Maori girls college for secondary schooling. After leaving school Riaana worked at New Zealand railways then onto the ministry of transport as a parking meter officer for 9 years then travelled extensively overseas for 5 years returning to work for Groenz Ltd and Golden state foods USA for 24yrs  managing the Sth Island. Riaana undertook voluntary work for Christchurch Safer Community Council for 4yrs and Coggs Christchurch East local distribution committee for five years.

Riaana has been a trustee for Te Mahi Korowai Trust at Rapaki for 20 years and 10 years as a Board member for Whakaraupo Carving Centre Trust in Whakaraupo / Lyttelton. Riaana is now enjoying her retirement with her husband Bob and her gorgeous Mokos.

Profession: Management, Support Services to Mama and their pepi CDHB contract delivered by Nga Hau E Wha National Marae.

Ko Wheke te Hapu – Ko Ngaitahu te Iwi

June served as a Director on the first Board of Te Runanga O Ngaitahu for many years and dedicated her interests to the service of her whanau, hapu, and Iwi. As well as many local, national, corporate and community organisations of New Zealand, voluntary organisations such as the Lions Club, Maori Women’s Welfare League, N.Z Maori Wardens, and environmental and health agencies have given her a varied outlook and balanced knowledge of her pa, land and people along with  the greater Community of Canterbury and Aotearoa.

Of special interest is Youth and their progressive entry into the future.