Mihi Harris

Project Lead

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka

Ko Hokianga Nui a Kupe te moana

Ko Whakatere Manawakaiaia me Maungataniwha ngā maunga

Ko Ngāpuhi me Te Rawara ngā iwi

Ko Te Mahurehure, Te Uri Mahoe me Kohatutaka ngā hapū

Mihi joined Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri in Nov 2020 and became the Programme Director for Puna Wai Ora – Te Hiku Drought Relief Programme in June 2021, just prior to its launch. Mihi has a background in libraries and research, and more recently project management with a focus on hapū and Iwi development. Mihi holds several degrees including a Masters from Victoria University of Wellington, is a Kellogg Rural Leadership alumni (2021) and completed the Institute of Directors (IOD) Company Directors’ course that same year. Mihi continues to be a member of the IOD and holds several governance positions.

Lena Stewart

Project Manager

Ko Lena Stewart toku ingoa

Nō Kaitaia ahau

Lena joined Te Aupouri Iwi Development Trust in early 2022, as Project Manager to the Puna Wai Ora – Te Hiku Drought Relief Programme. Lena was born and raised in Te Hiku, where she attended Kaitaia College before heading off to university to complete her qualifications in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. After eight years living in other parts of New Zealand, Lena has now returned to Te Hiku with her young family to join this vital kaupapa providing potable water solutions to whanau in need.

Lena is a qualified Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager who brings her experience primarily in cost consultancy and commercial contract management. 

Tralee Rihari

Communications Coordinator

Ko Whangatauatia te Maunga

Ko Tinana te Waka 

Ko Kourou Kore te Marae

Ko Te Rarawa te Iwi 

Ko Tralee Rihari toku Ingoa

Tralee joined Te Aupouri Iwi Development Trust in mid 2022, as the Communications Coordinator for the Puna Wai Ora – Te Hiku Drought Relief Programme. Tralee was raised in Ahipara, and moved to Auckland to complete her schooling education at Massey High School. Tralee then attended Waikato University to complete her Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching.

Tralee’s past work experience in education has helped her develop the skills in building relationships and helping others. These skills ensure Tralee is able to make positive connections with all the whānau on the programme and support them through the process of their installation.

Punawai Posinkovich

Administrator

Ko Punawai Posinkovich toku ingoa

Nō Kaitaia ahau

Punawai is an experienced administrator who joined Te Aupouri Iwi Development Trust in December 2023.

Punawai is local to the Te Hiku area and attended Kaitaia College.

She worked for 8 years for the Far North Dsitrict Council, mainly in the Kaitaia Library, and then went on to complete a Certificate in Bookkeeping.

She brings her experience in customer service, bookkeeping and administration to the Puna Wai Ora and Tupu Plumbing team.