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An experienced company director and board member with an extensive background in management and Ma;ori business has been appointed to lead the national development of kapa haka.

Te Matatini Executive Director, Darrin Apanui (Ngati Porou, Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi, Ngati Rangitane o Wairarapa) was previously Manager of Human Resource and Capability Development at Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Ltd. In conjunction with this role he also managed two $20 million subsidiary companies, established under the Ma;ori Fisheries Act 2004.An experienced company director and board member with an extensive background in management and Ma;ori business has been appointed to lead the national development of kapa haka.

Te Matatini Executive Director, Darrin Apanui (Ngati Porou, Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi, Ngati Rangitane o Wairarapa) was previously Manager of Human Resource and Capability Development at Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Ltd. In conjunction with this role he also managed two $20 million subsidiary companies, established under the Ma;ori Fisheries Act 2004.Te Putea Whakatupu provides educational training and development in leadership and fisheries studies for Ma;ori, whilst Te Wai Ma;ori Trust is responsible for advancing Ma;ori Freshwater Fisheries interests.

Mr Apanui holds directorships with two whanau businesses. He is also a Director of Global PR Ltd. a successful web-based media distribution company in New Zealand which is about to enter the Australian market.

A current executive board member of Te Runanga o Ngati Rangitane ki Wairarapa, Mr Apanui previously served on the boards of the Industry Training Federation for three years and the Seafood Industry Training Organisation for five years.

Prior to joining Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Limited, Mr Apanui was a project management contractor and HR consultant with private sector companies, and held management and training roles within the Departments of Labour and Social Welfare.

As Executive Director, Mr Apanui will work with Te Matatini Society Incorporated, the national umbrella organisation responsible for developing, nurturing and sustaining kapa haka in thirteen regions around the country and extending to Australia. In 1972 kapa haka developed a national biennial competition which now attracts upwards of 30,000 participants and visitors.

Te Matatini chairman Selwyn Parata welcomed the appointment of Mr Apanui, hailing it as another important step in a sustained effort to raise the profile and professionalism of the Ma;ori performing arts.

"Te Matatini now has a fulltime permanent executive poised to provide the necessary stability, leadership, and co-ordination to kapa haka development in this country."

As well as building strong relationships with kapa haka groups, arts organisations, businesses and government; the Executive Director's role is focused on strengthening Te Matatini governance and management structures; developing a commercial entity to capture potential income opportunities; instituting a professional development programme to lift standards of performance and judging; and developing and managing an international kappa haka programme with public and private agencies.

Mr Parata said the leadership and management skills Mr Apanui brings to the role of Te Matatini Executive Director augured well for the successful future direction and potential growth of kapa haka here and abroad.

Press Release: Te Matatini Festival

09/02/09