Te Mātāwai appoints three new members to Whakaata Māori Board

Te Mātāwai Co-Chairs Brenda Soutar and Mātai Smith are pleased to announce the appointment of Kerensa Johnston, Verona-Meiana Putaranui, and Dr Julian Wilcox to the Whakaata Māori Board.

Under section 43 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016, Te Mātāwai is responsible for appointing four of the seven directors to the Board of Māori Television Service, as provided under section 19(1) of the Māori Television Service Act 2003.

Whakaata Māori plays a pivotal role in revitalising te reo Māori through broadcasting, with strong governance essential to delivering on its cultural and public service mandate.

Hoa-Toihau Brenda Soutar said, “these appointments mark more than a governance milestone. They reflect the commitment of Te Mātāwai to appointing leaders who will strengthen Māori broadcasting, uphold the integrity of our institutions, and ensure Whakaata Māori continues to serve our people and our language with confidence into the future.”

Hoa-Toihau Mātai Smith commented the appointments exemplify the statutory responsibility and commitment of Te Mātāwai to the integrity of Māori broadcasting.

“Whakaata Māori carries our reo, our stories, and our identity into the homes of our people. These stories shape how we see ourselves and how we are seen, and we have every confidence in the collective leadership of these appointments to continue guiding that kaupapa through Māori broadcasting.”

The appointees are:

Kerensa Johnston (Ngāti Tama, Ngāruahine, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Whāwhākia) brings extensive governance experience and a background in law, corporate strategy, and Māori development. A former Chief Executive of Wakatū Incorporation, she has led intergenerational initiatives focused on whānau capability and long-term sustainability. She is currently Chair of Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga and Chair of Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Charitable Trust. 

Verona-Meiana Putaranui (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-ā-Hauiti, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Pāhauwera) is a highly regarded Māori communications specialist with over 25 years’ experience across the public service, iwi, and kaupapa Māori sectors. Her expertise navigates the interface between the Crown, Māori, and the public, and includes advising executive leadership on strategy, public accountability, and the integrity of organisational narratives. 

Dr Julian Wilcox (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a founding member of Whakaata Māori and a highly respected broadcaster with decades of experience in Māori media. A former television executive, he is currently the host of The Hui and Radio New Zealand’s Māpuna. Dr Wilcox has long championed the visibility and integrity of te reo Māori across broadcasting.
 
All appointees will serve a term of three years from June 2026.