Farewell Mariao, welcome Kelly

At our December board meeting, Trustee Mariao Hohaia stepped down as his workload had been steadily increasing over recent months.

However, with all good succession planning, he had identified a suitable replacement and Trustees were pleased to confirm the appointment of Kelly Yakas to the Trust. Kelly brings with her a wealth of skills.

Kelly is of Ngaphui, Te Arawa descent and passionate about youth. She currently manages the Stars and Kiwi Can programmes in Kaikohe for Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi and the foundation for youth development. She has organised a number of community projects for various groups in the mid North including Womens Refuge, Community Policing Unit, Sport Northland, Lake Omapere Trust, Pioneer Village and the Western Community. A dedicated mother of two, she is also a Les Mills aerobics instructor providing classes twice a week.

We pass on a huge vote of thanks to Mariao for his energy and commitment to the Trust over the past few years and wish him all the best in his various new roles and his study.