Jones new chief for Trust Tairāwhiti

Trust Tairāwhiti’s incoming chief executive Doug Jones. Picture by Paul Rickard

The board of Trust Tairāwhiti has appointed Doug Jones as the organisation’s new chief executive.

Trust chairman John Clarke said after an extensive recruitment process, trustees were thrilled to have Mr Jones join the trust. He starts on November 29.

“Trust Tairāwhiti is an important regional organisation, managing a significant balance sheet with regional responsibilities for economic development and regional tourism.

“The role is demanding, but trustees are confident Mr Jones has the skills necessary to embrace that role and lead the Trust forward.”

Educated in Gisborne, Mr Jones is kaihautu - chief executive of Ngāi Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust, a role he has held for over three years. He is of Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.

He has held senior roles in the Environmental Protection Authority, Ministry for Primary Industries and Te Puni Kōkiri, along with prior government positions before returning home to his current role in May 2020.

He also has several directorships and has been a member and deputy chair of the NZ Māori Rugby Board since 2019.

Mr Jones said he was excited and humbled by the trust shown in him and the opportunity ahead.

“This is a significant opportunity to lead an organisation that has the potential to drive the economic recovery of Te Tairāwhiti post-Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle. I’m excited and grateful to the people of Ngāi Tāmanuhiri who have supported me and my whānau since returning home.”

Mr Clarke said trustees also acknowledged and thanked trust acting chief executive Richard Searle for his professional management of the trust over the past six months.