Richard Evans

Introducing RICHARD EVANS – Kaiwhakahaere Rauemi

Ko Taranaki te maunga

Ko Urenui te awa

Ko Tokomaru te waka

Ko Urenui te marae

Ko Ngāti Mutunga, Kāi Tahu ngā iwi

Ko Andy Evans rāua ko Miriama Evans ōku mātua

Kei Te Awa Kairangi taku kainga ināianei

Ko Richard Evans taku ingoa

It’s an honour for me to serve Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai and to be part of a team that kaitiaki our taonga for our mokopuna and for future generations.

I was born in Ōtautahi and grew up in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Many of my happiest memories as a youngster were times spent in and around Waiwhetu marae where mum would take us a couple of times a week. Growing up we learned about our whakapapa and the many connections with Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Tama. A trip to Parihaka for the 100 years in 1981 had a big impact on me, even as such a young person at the time.

My focus as a kaitiaki is on kotahitanga. In my experience amazing things can happen with a clear plan and with unity. I gather strength and inspiration from two wahine toa – my mum Miriama Evans and my aunty Rānui Ngārimu.

Operational planning, leadership, management, financial planning, relationship development and strategic thinking are some of the skills that I bring to the table. Strategy, goal setting and a focus on continuous improvement will be key now and as we look to achieve the moemoeā of the future.

I have held a number of managerial positions in iwi owned businesses since 2003 having worked with Ngai Tahu Seafoods and more recently with Moana New Zealand. I have also previously been a Director of Maruehi Fisheries.

I look forward to meeting you some time in the near future.

Ngā mihi,
Richard