Meka Whaitiri

Meka has been employed with Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorprated since March 2009. Meka has had over 25 years experience in the public sector in Wellington. She has held several Senior Management positions in policy, projects and operations for a range of Departments. Her most recent role prior to her employment with the iwi was Executive Director for the office of the Minister of Māori Affairs.  Meka was a mandated Treaty negotiator for Rongowhakaata. She has attended and presented at a range of international conferences representing Aotearoa.

Meka is from Kohupatiki and her mother, Mei, was the model for our beloved statue, Pania. Her father, Bill, taught at Karamu High School for a number of years and is a member of the Te Aute Trust Board. Her grandmother, Ruruhira Robin, was a very well known Kuia of Heretaunga and Tamatea. Meka was made Dux at Mangateretere Primary School and later she became Head Prefect at Karamu High School.  Meka has two sons, Nohorua and Wi Rangi. Meka is a competitive all rounder sportsperson.