Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust team is made up of 5 full-time and part-time staff who are committed to achieving the vision of establishing the two working water schemes planned for Northland. These roles vary across all aspects of project management, to landholder and stakeholder relations, as well as Maori engagement, communications, finance and administration. You can see a full list of staff and contact details below.
The board is made up of three trustees, all of whom are from, and live in Northland. Hon. Murray McCully (chair) and Hon. Dover Samuels were appointed by the Crown when the Trust was established in mid-2020 and they have since been joined by Kathryn de Bruin.
Right: Hon. Dover Samuels, Middle: Hon: Murray Mc Cully Left: Hon. Shane Jones (Former Minister of Forestry of New Zealand)
CNZM CF
I was raised in Dargaville, attending Arapohue Primary School and Dargaville High School. I served as a Member of Parliament for 30 years, retiring in 2017 after serving as New Zealand’s Foreign Minister for eight and a half years. I served a total of sixteen and a half years as a Minister of the Crown, including the Housing, Sport, Tourism, Customs, Rugby World Cup and America’s Cup portfolios.
I was born in Matauri Bay and whakapapa to Ngati Kura. I have given more than 50 years of public service at both a local and national level, where I served as a Member of Parliament for 12 years, three of which as Minister for Māori Affairs.
I am a Chartered Accountant and serve clients who primarily operate in the horticultural and agricultural sector. I am an elected member of the board of Horticulture NZ and also run a horticultural operation along with my husband outside of Dargaville. This gives me an instinctive understanding of rural-based businesses, and the financial acumen associated with governing them. I have a passion for, and belief in, the potential for rural New Zealand.
I have held a range of senior leadership and management positions across both the public and private sectors in New Zealand and internationally. During my time with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I worked on political and security issues and managed a significant portfolio of international development projects across multiple countries. I also represented New Zealand at key climate change and environmental forums, and participated in and led international trade and climate change negotiations. Throughout my diplomatic career, I served in senior leadership roles as Ambassador, High Commissioner, and Consul General in several countries. As Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and Project Director for the Otawere Project, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project and organisation, ensuring the successful delivery of the Trust’s strategic objectives and outcomes. Post completing a Bachelor of Commerce in 2005 Ben has worked in the Irrigation and the Banking sector. Getting involved with the Trust projects in 2021 has provided an opportunity to use these past fields of work and support the project with the task of developing water storage and distribution that enables a shift to higher-value land use. While across many different elements of the projects Bens primary role is to Manage the Finance and Commercial Affairs for the Trust and maintain relationships with the Trust’s primary funder, and other key stakeholders. Born in Auckland, my family moved to a lifestyle block in Whangarei when I was five. Northland is home. I have enjoyed a varied career over the years, holding a range of senior commercial and financial roles, including business ownership, within the building, automotive and dairy industries. I joined the Trust in 2021 and am proud to be working with the team that is delivering the construction and commercialisation of these vital water storage projects in Northland. I have built my career primarily within the health sector, holding a range of leadership and management positions that provided extensive experience in administration, stakeholder engagement, operational support, and service delivery. These roles strengthened my capabilities in team leadership, relationship management, process improvement, and achieving organisational outcomes. More recently, I have worked in senior project and executive support roles, contributing to the delivery of strategic initiatives and the effective operation of organisations. This experience has deepened my understanding of the critical role water plays in community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and the long-term resilience of our region. I hold a Diploma in Business Administration and Technology and bring a practical, organised, and people-centred approach to my work. I am committed to delivering high-quality outcomes, building strong relationships, and supporting initiatives that create lasting benefits for the communities we serve. I have built a extensive policy career across a broad range of portfolios, including local government, gambling regulation, ACC, and strategic policy. Prior to joining Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, I worked in the United Kingdom in a strategic policy role with the Pension Protection Fund, gaining valuable experience in policy development and organisational strategy within a complex regulatory environment. After more than a decade away in Wellington and London, I returned to my hometown of Whangārei. Joining the Trust has enabled me to bring together the knowledge and experience gained throughout my career in New Zealand and the UK, while contributing to projects that have a meaningful impact on the region. The Trust’s fast-paced and purpose-driven environment provides an opportunity to help advance initiatives that support Northland’s growth and prosperity. It is a privilege to play a small part in an organisation that is helping to strengthen the region’s profile and create lasting benefits for our communities.
Robert Kaiwai
CEO - Chief Executive Officer
Ben Craw
Manager Finance & Commercial Affairs
Vicki Robson
Financial Controller
Terisa Turua
Senior Project, Office Administrator & EA to CEO
Kate McMiles