Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust today announces Lee Grace (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu, Niuean, Irish and English) as their new Kaiwhakahaere Matua – General Manager.

“We are pleased to welcome Lee as our new General Manager of the Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust.  Lee brings more than 20 years experience as a chartered accountant, with qualifications in both accountancy and commercial law and experience in managing Māori businesses.  Lee also brings a passion for realising whānau aspirations and our region,” says Shane Taurima, Chairperson of Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust.  

“Lee spent his childhood and schooling years close to Tangoio, in the Eskdale valley. He is ideally placed to continue the great mahi of the past, and to continue to progress our hapū aspirations,” says Shane.

Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust, based in the Hawke’s Bay represents the hapū of Marangatūhetaua (Ngāti Tū), Ngāti Kurumōkihi, Ngāti Whakaari, Ngāi Tauira, Ngāi Te Ruruku ki Tangoio, and Ngāi Tahu. 

“I am excited by the role and by Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust’s strategic direction and priorities.  It is exactly the type of work I enjoy leading and being a part of.  I am looking forward to implementing the mahi that reflects the aspirations of whānau and hapū of Maungaharuru-Tangitū,” says Lee.

Lee has a passion for healthy lifestyles, whānau and community. He is a trustee of Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust and until recently, Rugby League Hawke’s Bay. He helped set up well known community events, ‘Kai in the Bay’, ‘Battle for Life’ and IronMāori and has been a trustee for Te Aranga o Heretaunga marae since 2012. 

The pōwhiri to formally welcome Lee and his whānau – wife, Dr Kiriana Bird and children Tyler and Ariana, is at 10am, on Saturday, 26 June 2021 at Tangoio Marae.  Everyone is welcome. 

ENDS