Mita works for the Ministry for Primary Industries as National Manager Operations for the Kauri Dieback Programme. Previously, he was Director of Māori Heritage at Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand. His governance experience includes Chair of the Northland Conservation Board, Member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, and Trustee of the Waitangi National Trust Board. Mita has also served on the Northern Rural Fire Committee in the Far North.

Ko Kārena he uri nō Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Ruanui, me Kūki ‘Āirani.

She is the Deputy Chair of the Northland Local Advisory Committee (LAC) and Senior Lead for the Strategic Engagements and Māori Partnerships Unit at Stats NZ. In this role, Kārena drives Māori community engagement and partnerships across Aotearoa.

Kārena has extensive governance experience, serving two terms as the first Māori elected to the Kaipara District Council and holding the position of Judicial Justice of the Peace. She is also the Mangai Hononga Māori Union representative for Stats NZ.

Her community service includes roles as Marriage Celebrant, Chairperson for Te Kura o Herewini Paka, Pou Whirinaki for Rangatahi Ora, and member/secretary for the Kaipara Hapū Advisory Komiti. Kārena also has 14 years of experience at the Department of Conservation, where she focused on treaty settlement portfolios, and now serves on the Te Tai Tokerau | Northland Conservation Board.

ISOPO SAMU (SAMU) (Member)

Samu leads Tokotoko Solutions, providing mentoring and education programmes for youth who have disengaged from education. He has a background in teaching, policing, community development, and business ownership, and has served as a Whangārei District Councillor and on the Child, Youth and Family Safety Panel. In 2022, his company received the Social Impact Award at the Northland Business Excellence Awards. Samu continues to support young people and families to rediscover their potential through education, training and employment.

SHEILA TAYLOR (Member)

Sheila, of Ngāti Kahu and Ngā Puhi ki Whaingaroa descent, is an independent Te Ao Māori consultant in the public sector. Previously, she was Kaiārahi Kaupapa Māori for Northland Regional Council and has worked for Whangārei District Council, the Fire Service, Waitemata District Health Board and the Ministry of Fisheries. Sheila has also served as Treasurer for community groups including Tai Kotuku Inc, Tai Tokerau Polynesian Canoe Association, Tai Tokerau Touch and the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.