OUR INNOVATIVE KAIMAHI

Tina porou- owner/ceo

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri

Tina Porou is a respected environmental advocate, strategist, and leader with deep roots in mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga. As the founder of Poipoia, Tina has dedicated her career to creating innovative pathways for iwi, hapū, and communities to thrive through environmental stewardship, sustainable resource management, and authentic partnerships.

Pia Pohatu - ENVIROMENTAL PLANNER

Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri

Pia Pōhatu is a dedicated researcher and advocate for Māori landowners, focusing on sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. As a researcher with Hikurangi Enterprises in Ruatoria, she has collaborated with Motu Research over a three-year period to explore Māori landowners' interest in carbon farming, aiming to provide insights into sustainable economic opportunities.

Pia also shares her expertise on Māori freshwater fisheries, partnering with mana whenua to deepen understanding and management of freshwater resources. Her work emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation and resource management.

Through her research and community engagement, Pia Pōhatu plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and empowering Māori landowners to make informed decisions about their land and resources.

te rina porou - comms advisor/social media manager

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi

Te Rina Porou is a dynamic storyteller and communications professional whose work bridges the worlds of media, culture, and te reo Māori. With a Bachelor of Communications and a strong foundation in mātauranga Māori, Te Rina has a passion for crafting narratives that celebrate both individual and collective identities.

Stacey Konui - ENVIROMENTAL PLANNER

Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Stacey collaborates with iwi, hapū, and various stakeholders to develop and implement environmental strategies that honor Māori perspectives and promote sustainable resource management.

Stacey's commitment to environmental stewardship and her deep connection to her iwi inform her approach to planning, ensuring that development initiatives align with cultural values and contribute to the health of the whenua and wai.

Through her work at Poipoia, Stacey plays a vital role in fostering kaitiakitanga and supporting communities in achieving their environmental aspirations.

MANAIA BLAIKE - Office Manager

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Turamakina

In addition to her role at Poipoia, Manaia is a Trustee of the Lake Taupō Forest Trust, contributing to the sustainable management and protection of forest lands within the Lake Taupō region. Manaia's commitment to her community and the environment is evident through her professional endeavors and her active participation in initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and cultural heritage.

Beth Tupara-Katene - ENVIROMENTAL PLANNER

Ngāti Oneone, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Whanau a Kai, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngai Tāmanuhiri

She is affiliated with Ngāti Oneone, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Whānau a Kai, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri. Beth has over a decade of experience in central government and Māori organizations, focusing on policy development, regulatory frameworks, and resource management strategies for the ocean. She played a significant role in implementing the Māori Commercial Claims Aquaculture Settlement and has worked tirelessly to amplify Māori voices in ocean governance. Her dedication to sustainable marine resource use and cultural stewardship makes her a powerful voice in addressing the urgent challenges facing our oceans today.