Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua appoints Renata Blair as new CEO

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Renata Blair as the new Chief Executive Officer of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua.

Renata (Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Rango, Te Taoū, Te Uringutu, me Ngāoho) brings more than 20 years of governance, strategic, and executive leadership experience across both public and private sectors, serving hapū and wider Māori communities.

Since 2013, Renata has been a Director on the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board, helping drive significant social, cultural, and economic initiatives for our people.

From 2016 to 2022, he also served on the Independent Māori Statutory Board, championing greater Māori participation in local government decision-making across Tāmaki Makaurau.

He now brings that experience home to his iwi and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Board Chair, Tyrone Raumati, says Renata’s appointment strengthens the Rūnanga’s vision: “Renata’s experience will help us advance a pathway grounded in iwi aspirations, cultural strength, and building durable structures that serve Ngāti Whātua today and for generations to come.”

Tyrone says the appointment marks a significant moment: “The calibre of applicants was exceptional, especially those from within Ngāti Whātua. It’s powerful to see our own stepping forward to lead. I’m excited for the direction ahead and confident in the drive, energy and experience Renata will bring as we continue to move forward together as an iwi.”

Renata Blair's formal commencement will take place in the New Year with an iwi-wide pōwhiri.