PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Tell us about yourself.
On my Pakeha side I am a McCalmont from Masterton and on my Maori side I am from the Kingi and Morrison whanau of Ngati Whakaue and Ngati Tuwharetoa. I am the eldest of three girls, am married to Greg Allen, and have two high energy sons who attend Te Kura o Te Koutu. I am a qualified lawyer (BSc/LLB) with 13 years' experience nationally and internationally in the areas of commercial law and Treaty issues, risk and compliance and policy and strategy. I've done a bit of study along the way (PG Cert in Corporate Governance, Cert Child Protection Studies) and am a graduate of the Global Women Breakthrough Leaders Programme. But I'm a science geek at heart.
What is your current occupation?
I like to have a mix of things on the go on a work front - some governance, consulting, and my part-time day job as contracts manager at Tipu Ora. I joke that I'm implementing a 'balanced portfolio approach to my working day' - geeky, I know. For 2016, I'm focusing on professional development - improving my reo, doing some Te Arawa leadership work, and honing my governance skills.
What is your involvement with Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust?
I was elected on to the trust in 2009, soon after my husband and I returned from working in London. Having lived away from Rotorua for over 13 years, I was surprised to be given the opportunity to immediately contribute. From 2012, I held the chair's role and was just last week reappointed for another term as trustee. I am excited about the next phase in the trust's growth under the new chair, Katie Paul; and pleased that I vacate the chair role having made a positive difference.
The trust is heavily involved in funding the Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia Whanau Days. Why is it great to see this kaupapa for the iwi?
Whakanuia is the culmination of many years of thinking and planning by our elders. Its purpose is to unify our iwi, and to foster greater engagement in the marae and Ngati Whakauetanga.
What do you like about being involved in the trust and other iwi organisations?
I like being involved in organisations that innovate and have positive impact. Assets Trust is unique in the fact that we have gender equity, are all under 50 years old, and are tertiary educated professionals with international experience. It is a dynamic, high functioning and fast-paced team. I love it.
My other governance roles are on Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Ltd, Te Tahuhu o Ngati Whakaue (Ngati Whakaue te reo and tikanga), and the newly formed Te Arawa Partnership Board. What I am excited about at the moment within Te Arawa is seeing the generation of those who were supported by their iwi to obtain a tertiary education in the 1980s and 1990s, coming through in management and governance. There is world-class talent in Te Arawa, and this bodes well for iwi, the Rotorua community and the New Zealand economy itself.
Why do you think it's important to be involved in this sort of work?
The things I do are my way of contributing to a vibrant, prosperous and influential Ngati Whakaue. By doing so I'm also adding value to Aotearoa New Zealand.
When you're not working, what do you like to do/hobbies etc?
Time is a luxury for me. I like to surround myself with positive and creative people, and to spend my precious quality time with loved ones and friends.
What's great about Rotorua?
That my sons can grow up in their Ngati Whakaue reo and tikanga, connected to their marae, alongside their whanaunga, and experiencing the landscapes and environment in the same way that their ancestors did.
What would you like to see us do better?
I worry about the significant and growing inequity in our community. Working towards an inclusive, collaborative and cohesive community is a good place to start.
What are three things people may not know about you?
I'm a bit of a magpie - I love colour and shiny things; my most surprising Christmas was spent drinking French champagne and having a guitar party with Kate Moss at her house; I met my (now) husband at New Image spacey parlour when we were 16 - it is so typically 90s I laugh every time I say it!