Colleen Smith
Trustee
Ko Takaka te whenua tupu
No Golden Bay ahau
Kei te noho ana ahau ki Tamaki Makaurau inainei
Ko Emma Wehipeihana taku tamahine
Ko Nico taku mokopuna
No Tukorehe me Ngati Porou raua
Ko Colleen Smith taku ingoa
As a Board Member for Te Pu-a-Nga Maara, I bring unwavering dedication to social and environmental justice, shaped by years of work in government and non-government organisations. My passion for grassroots activism drives me to transform systems for te taiao and nga tangata, ensuring our organisation’s vision is bold and inclusive. Since joining Te Pu-a-Nga Maara in 2016, I’ve been committed to our Kaupapa, respecting our pioneers, empowering our kaimahi and supporters, and safeguarding a sustainable future for our mokos mokopuna.
My Certified ToP Facilitator qualification enhances my strategic leadership. Using ToP’s Strategic Thinking and Planning methods, I facilitate robust discussions that unite diverse perspectives and deliver actionable outcomes. This enables me to guide the board in shaping policies and plans rooted in our community’s aspirations and bicultural principles. My Certified TetraMap Facilitator qualification complements this by fostering collaboration and clarity. Through TetraMap’s elemental framework—Earth, Air, Water, and Fire—I help board members and stakeholders align communication styles, strengthen teams, and tackle complex decisions. The Air element’s focus on process supports transparent governance, while the Fire element fuels visionary planning. Together, these qualifications empower me to lead with cultural sensitivity and foresight, ensuring Te Pu-a-Nga Maara shines as a beacon of justice and sustainability.