Leonie Simpson the newly appointed chief executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, plans to lead the tribe's growth with a transparent approach by working with the whānau and hapū.
Whakatāne, home to the governing body of Ngāti Awa has a new women CEO ready to call the shots
“To work together for the benefit Ngāti Awa”, says Simpson.
She's the woman in charge of growing Ngāti Awa aspirations. She plans to do this by supporting tomorrow's leaders.
“Encouraging and nurturing our youth in order for them to succeed they need to know, where they are from, who they are, they have the knowledge of their elders.”
Simpson previously worked at the Rūnanga and helped developed the tribe's 'Ngāti Awa Te Toki' plan. She aims to take a transparent approach.
“Sitting together listening to the aspirations conversations debating transparency leaving the doors of the Rūnanga open to its people.”
Having been acting general manager since the departure of previous CEO Enid Ratahi-Pryor, Ms Simpson officially takes up the role today.