Meet Our People

Nicole has held a Trustee role for Ngā Ngaru o Hokianga on Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi for two terms. She is a chartered professional director with a background in health, Māori development and has practical business ownership experience in the manufacturing, farming and retail sectors. Nicole holds other directorships, including with Far North Holdings Ltd and Te Ohu Kai Moana . She is also Chair of the International Accreditation Council.

Ripeka is a distinguished leader with over 40 years of governance and executive experience. She is Director and Deputy Chair of Television New Zealand Ltd, chairing the Remuneration, People & Culture Committee, and serves on boards including Tupu Tonu – the Ngāpuhi Investment Fund, Wellington Regional Council Holdings Limited, and Horticulture New Zealand. She is known for her principled, intergenerational leadership and strong commercial focus, and holds an MBA and membership of the Institute of Directors.

Erena (Ngāti Hao, Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Kuta) is an experienced Māori governance leader with board and executive experience across iwi, education, social services, and community development in Te Tai Tokerau. She is Chair of Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services and holds trustee and director roles with Hāpai Tūhono, Toi Ngāpuhi, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe, KTR Kara Ltd, and Kara Contracting Ltd. Erena brings strong governance capability across strategy, organisational development, financial oversight, and Crown–iwi relationships, with senior executive experience including Acting CEO roles at Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi and CEO of Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust. She holds a Master of Social Science and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Chester Fong is a respected leader and experienced trustee, bringing decades of governance and building expertise as Chair of Te Huehue Marae and Omapere Rangihamama Ahu Whenua Trust, a current proxy Trustee for Hauauru Takiwā on Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi, and a qualified LBP Certified Builder with 45 years’ experience across commercial and residential construction.

Spencer Webster (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngā Pōtiki) brings extensive experience in executive leadership, governance, and legal practice across iwi, health, housing, and community sectors. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Manawa Community Housing Trust and Ngā Pōtiki a Tamapahore Trust, and has previously led organisations that deliver health and social services at scale.

A qualified barrister and solicitor, Spencer offers strong expertise in governance, public law, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement, with a deep commitment to iwi-led development and whānau wellbeing.