Janise Hine-Kapetiu Eketone with Chris Flatt
A former Maniapoto Māori Trust Board chief executive has been named Trust Waikato’s new chair.
Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone (Waikato–Maniapoto) has held leadership positions with Te Whatu Ora Waikato, including director of Māori Health Strategy.
She has been a board member since 2018.
Trust Waikato is one of 12 New Zealand community trusts and services the Waikato region. Almost $300 million in grants have been approved for funding since it was established in 1989.
The organisation employs nine staff and its chief executive is Dennis Turton.
In announcing her appointment, Trust Waikato said Eketone’s tenure as chief executive of the Maniapoto board showcased her ability to drive significant community initiatives, including the successful Nga Wai o Maniapoto settlement.
Trust Waikato also announced a new deputy – Chris Flatt. They have already taken up their positions.
Eketone, steps up from deputy to outgoing chair Vicky McLennan. The two had held those roles since March 2021. McLennan will remain on the board as a trustee until mid-2025 when she will retire after eight-years’ service.
Chris Flatt is the national secretary of the NZ Dairy Workers Union.
Vicky is a well-respected member of the Waikato community, the trust said, and it had been privileged to be guided by her exemplary leadership as chair for the past four years and prior to that as acting chair and deputy chair.
“Her leadership and commitment to Trust Waikato will leave a lasting impact and we are grateful for her vision and dedication.”
Vicky will remain on the trust board until mid next year when she will retire after eight years’ service.
