Naomi (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa) is a well-known leader in Māori capability within the science and innovation sector. Naomi founded and established the nationally and internationally award winning Pūhoro STEMM Academy programme. The Pūhoro kaupapa is now embedded which has enabled Naomi to transition from Pūhoro to address workforce development gaps beyond those that the Pūhoro kaupapa is designed to address. Naomi’s efforts have helped promote the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEMM and her work is recognised domestically and internationally.
Naomi is an Obama Foundation Leader for the Asia Pacific region. A strategist, Naomi understands the importance of data-driven solutions and evidence-based decision making. Naomi was nominated as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit from the King’s New Years’ Honours List for 2024.
Arohaina (Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Te ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi is a dynamic leader and brings strong business acumen to Auraki Group Ltd. Prior to establishing Aurak, Arohaina was the Vision Mātauranga Lead for the High Value Nutrition National Science Challenge and Principal (Head of Intrafund Advice) for the global corporate company Aon. Arohaina leads, drives, coordinates and implements strategies and initiatives to build the long term sustainability for Auraki Group Ltd. Arohaina leads relationships between Auraki Group, our stakeholders and our community to build a comprehensive understanding of requirements needed to drive Auraki Group’s strategic objectives forward.
Frank (Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Taranaki) is known for his financial management skills. Frank previously was the Finance Manager for award winning Pūhoro Charitable Trust and was responsible for multi-million dollar budgets.
Importantly Frank understands the importance of supervising important functions such as monitoring cash flow, determining profitability, managing expenses and producing accurate financial information. Frank’s professional mantra is ‘happy bank, happy frank’.
