Ngāti Rangi iwi appoints Hoani Ponga as chief executive

Ngāti Rangi board chairwoman Soraya Peke-Mason has announced the appointment of Hoani Ponga as chief executive of Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi and the Ngāti Rangi group.

Of Ngāti Rangi, Whanganui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Whanau-ā-Apanui and Ngāpuhi descent, Ponga has held a number of roles - most recently at Te Tumu Paeroa and Plant and Food Research in Palmerston North.

The appointment of Ponga is an integral step in Ngāti Rangi's journey and development, Peke-Mason said.

"Hoani comes to the Ngāti Rangi group while we are in the early stages of transition following the signing of Rukutia Te Mana, Ngāti Rangi's deed of settlement. We are making significant headway in transition and appointing a chief executive with the extensive skills and depth of experience that Hoani brings is vital in ensuring this work continues."

Ponga has demonstrated commitment to the vision of his whānau, hapū and iwi, she said.

"We are excited to have him on board to take the Ngāti Rangi group of entities into the future. Having been bought up by his elders, Hoani has a solid understanding of the long-term vision of Ngāti Rangi and Whanganui iwi generally and we are extremely fortunate to have someone of his calibre in the role."

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It is an honour to return home to work for his people, Ponga said.

"I am proud and humbled to be accepted into the role to lead the group. Ngāti Rangi has set a strong strategic direction and it is now time to operationalise it and realise the dreams and aspirations of our people. I am looking forward to the challenge."

Peke-Mason also acknowledged Erena Mikaere, who has managed the group entities for the past year in an interim capacity.

Ponga will begin the role with a pōwhiri at Ohakune's Maungārongo Marae at 4pm on April 18.