Marae Committee

Dr Lance O'Sullivan
Dr Lance O’Sullivan is a proud old boy of Hato Petera College and is passionate about supporting exploring what the next chapter for this very important institution looks like.
Lance graduated from Hato Petera College in 1990 and believes that his time there were the most enjoyable of his life. His journey to success started in the halls and on the fields at 103 College Road, Northcote. Here he was exposed to proud Maori leaders like Sir Toby Curtis and Lang Davis who helped to shaped his sense of what it was to be a Maori man in Aotearoa. He developed a lifelong brotherhood that exists among every generation of young men and women who went to Hato Petera. “There is a continued place for Hato Petera and what that looks like needs to be discovered”.

Lofty Hina Ned
Iwi: Ngati Whatua, Tainui, Tuhoe, Ngati Manawa
Current job: Kainga Ora Homes Community Development and Public Engagement Coordinator
Why did you become a trustee of Te Kamaka?
I became a trustee because I am deeply committed to the organization's mission and Te Ao Māori values and believe I can contribute meaningfully to its success leveraging my skills and experiences to help guide and support the organization in achieving its goals. As Kaitiaki I am motivated by a sense of responsibility to ensure that resources are used effectively and that the organization remains accountable and transparent. I aim to support strategic decision-making, uphold the organization’s values, and contribute to its long-term sustainability and impact.
What is your vision for Te Kamaka Marae?
Te Kamaka Marae is an important cornerstone in the Northcote community and wider Te whenua o Kahu for all things of Te Ao Māori, people, culture, practices, and traditions. A place that serves Māori and non-Māori communities, is self-sufficient, values environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and thriving communities.

Mary Takakino Karena-Komene
Mary Takakino Karena-Komene, appointed Treasurer of Te Kamaka Marae brings a wealth of experience. Raised amongst her elders, she brings an old school understanding of tikanga Māori and cultural leadership across Tamaki Makaurau, Waikato, and Maniapoto regions. She is very involved in iwi dynamism.
Mary is well invovled in Te Ao Māori through her association with Te Kingitanga, Maniapoto and Ngapuhi. We welcome her on board.

Mere Karena-Komene
Naa uri maha no Te Whanau A Apanui, Ngaati Tuwharetoa, Rerehau/Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngapuhi, Te Aupouri, Ngaati Kuri.
E tipua ahau ki Te Rohe Potae ki Taumarunui.
E noho ana hai ki Ukutoia.

Mereana Hona – Secretary
Ngāti Awa, Te Tawera, Mataatua
E te iti, e te rahi,
Ko au te mokopuna o te tini o Toi, Mataatua Whānui, te hapū o te Tāwera, te Marae o Iramoko, Ko Ngāti Awa te toki, tangatanga i te rā, ngohengohe i tew ai
I a descendant of the great ancestor, Toitehuatahi further originate from Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne. I am of the greater Mataatua iwi, however, closely identify with my tūrangawaewae, Iramoko Marae, Te Tawera subtribe. I was appointed the Secretary early this year for the marae committee, and bring strong administrative skills, project management and life experience working at a grassroots level and with numerous community groups. My commitment is to ensure I bring value and my vast experience to the role to contribute to the extensive work happening.

Dr Pouroto Ngaropō - Chairman
Pouroto Ngaropō is a Senior Cultural Advisor. He is a Teacher, Lecturer, Project Management, Senior Cultural Advisor, Senior Executive Member, Current Chairman of 19 Boards, Representation at Iwi, Hapu, Regional, National and International Level. He is Chairman of Te Kamaka Hato Petera Marae.

Rai Oti Brothers
Rai Oti Brothers, is of Cook Island descent and from Mauke, has made significant contributions to the Auckland region through her extensive involvement in governance, council, education, and health sectors. Recently awarded the QSM medal for her outstanding service, Rai is a staunch committee member of Te Kamaka Marae. Known for her authenticity and originality, she is a strong female figure deeply engaged in community initiatives, offering unwavering support to and for the people. Rai's appointment is widely seen as a blessing, reflecting her dedication and impact on the community.

Dr Rose Harris
Nga Puhi, Te Rarawa, MbCHB Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
Brought up in the Hokianga in a staunch catholic community, Rose attended Hato Petera College in 1995 and is a proud Tauira tawhito. Currently she works as a doctor at Middlemore Hospital, as well as continues to contribute to the marae committee. Her lifework is centered around promoting equitable health outcomes for Maori and focused on Maori whanau thriving in our urban spaces.

Tamihana Pomare - Deputy Chairman
Ngāpuhi Whānui
'We have come too far not to go further'
Hapu whanau, capacity grown Utakura Mokonuiarangi Marae
Open mindset, global travelled
A kaitiaki kaumatua at Te Kamaka and Transformation Academy Hato Petera Te Raki Pae Whenua
A kaiarataki o nga matua tupuna he haina 'He Whakaputanga O Nga Rangatira O Nu Tirani 1835 raua ko Te Tiriti O Waitangi 1840 te kawenata
Tumuaki to nga Rangatira Pouri Harris, Ngati Toro, Taite Renata, Te Mahurehure, Hema Rawiri Rapana Mataitaua Mangungu Mission House Hokianga Nui a Kupe.

Tina Manuela
Bringing over a decade of governance experience, Tina passionately serves in key leadership roles in Pacific communities and local organisations. Tina is dedicated to community empowerment and development, exemplifying this commitment through diverse governance roles including Te Kamaka Marae.