27 February 2003 Media Release

FOMA Chair Joins Crown Forestry Rental Trust

The chairman of the Federation of Maori Authorities, Hemi-Rua Rapata (Muriwhenua, Nga Puhi, Waikato), has been appointed to the Crown Forestry Rental Trust.

Hemi has been FOMA’s chair since 1992 and brings to the Trust considerable experience in a number of different fields, including forestry and the primary industries, and has a detailed and practical knowledge of Treaty of Waitangi Law.

An Auckland University law graduate, Hemi was admitted to the bar in 1981. He specialises in Māori land development and utilisation and is currently executive director of Whangarei-based Hero and Associates, a business consultancy he founded.

Hemi’s appointment was also backed by the New Zealand Māori Council and he is acutely aware of the responsibility of the role of Trustee brings.

“It’s one of those jobs that really calls you into being. You go beyond your own personal goals and look at the big picture and focus on it because that’s what’s important,” he said.

“The goals have been clearly spelt out by both FOMA and the Māori council to expedite the forestry claims and I look forward to making my contribution to that.”

Hemi’s appointment takes effect immediately with the retirement of long-standing Trustee Lou Tangaere.

Crown Forestry Rental Trust Chief Executive Karen Waterreus said Lou’s retirement would be offset by the appointment of the FOMA chairman who brought an exciting mix of skills and depth of experience to the Trust that would assist it to expedite the return of Crown-licensed forestry lands to Māori.

“Lou was always a passionate advocate for the people in his nine years with the Trust and would be missed sorely around the table,” she said.