Northland Local Advisory Committee

Mita works for the Ministry for Primary Industries, as National Manager Operations for the Ministry’s Kauri Dieback Programme. He was previously Director of Māori Heritage at Pouhere Taonga Heritage New Zealand. Mita has held governance roles as Chair of the Northland Conservation Board and member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority and served on the Northern Rural Fire Committee in the Far North. He is a Trustee of the Waitangi National Trust Board.

Karen serves as the Regional Manager for Stats NZ and is a member of the Northland Conservation Board and Pou Whirinaki of Rangatahi Ora. With two decades of experience in public service within local and central government, she also holds roles as a Justice of the Peace, Marriage Celebrant and presides on local boards in her community. Karen’s goal is to serve her community, whānau, hapū, and iwi by facilitating access to essential services, guidance, and support, ultimately enhancing people's lives. “E waka eke noa - We are all in this together”.

ISOPO SAMU (SAMU) (Member)

Samu works with young people through his company, Tokotoko Solutions. They provide 1:1 mentoring, group sessions, and run an alternative education programme for young people who have disengaged from mainstream education.  

Samu has a background in teaching, Policing, community development and business ownership. He has been a member of the Child, Youth and Family Safety Panel, and chaired various school and community Boards as well as serving two terms as a Whangarei District councillor.  

In 2022 his company received the Social Impact Award at the Northland Business Excellence Awards and continues to work closely with families and young people to re-discover their potential through education, training, and employment to become self-reliant while leading a life with meaning and purpose.  

SHEILA TAYLOR (Member)

Sheila is a descendent of Ngāti Kahu and Ngā Puhi ki Whaingaroa. She has a background in finance and currently works as an independent consultant on Te Ao Māori in the public sector. From 2020 to 2022 Sheila was Kaiārahi Kaupapa Māori (Māori Technical Advisor) for Northland Regional Council and has previously worked for Whangarei District Council, the New Zealand Fire Service, Waitemata District Health Board, and the Ministry of Fisheries. She has acted as Treasurer for community groups, including Tai Kotuku Inc, Tai Tokerau Polynesian Canoe Association, Tai Tokerau Touch and the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.