Executive
Ko Pūwheke te Maunga
Ko Mangatākurere te Awa
Ko Rangaunu te Moana
Ko Patukoraha te Hapū
Ko Kareponia te Marae
Ko Ngāti Kahu te Iwi.
Dee-Ann Wolferstan, CEO
Dee-Ann is an accomplished leader with a diverse background in Governance, Social Services and Financial Auditing. Over the past 10 years Dee-Ann has been the Kaihautu for three Iwi/Māori organisations. She has demonstrated her ability to effectively lead and manage multiple organisations simultaneously, all while advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous Communities.
Her experience in Governance and Leadership throughout communities across Aotearoa has always been based on the premise of seeking justice for those displaced by circumstance. Dee-Ann’s expertise in financial auditing further enhances her skill set, allowing her to provide valuable insights and guidance in financial matters. Her roles as an independent advisor to the Audit Risk and Finance Committee of the Northland Regional Council and Chairperson of the Risk and Audit Committee of Tātau Tātau o te Wairoa demonstrate her ability to effectively manage and oversee financial processes.
Dee-Ann Wolferstan values her personal relationships and family above all her professional achievements. She considers her greatest successes to be her 30-year marriage with her husband, her two wonderful children, and the future legacy of her two mokopuna (grandchildren). While her professional accomplishments are noteworthy, Dee-Ann’s true fulfilment comes from the love and connections she has with her family. Their presence in her life brings her joy, happiness and a sense of purpose that transcends any professional achievements. Dee-Ann’s dedication to her family and their wellbeing is a testament to her values and priorities in life.
Leanne Apiata, CFO
Leanne Apiata, (Ngāti Porou/Ngā Puhi), is a Chartered Accountant driven by a deep-rooted commitment to foster economic growth and prosperity for Ngāti Kahu and Kaitaia.
With over 25 years of experience in Brisbane working with small business, Leanne founded her own thriving Accounting Practice whilst Co-directing a NDIS Plan Management Company before coming to this role.
Leanne’s oversight means that she can help support and operationalise the iwi’s long-term strategies whilst ensuring the micro economies within Ngāti Kahu and the local community are prioritised.