Rangimarie Parata Takurua
Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu

“Nōku Te Ao”
The World is Mine

An apt name given to Rangimarie’s daughter as a toddler as she strutted around on her marae at Rapaki in complete control of her world. It is a philosophy that has helped shape Rangimarie’s own approach to life and even culminated in the establishment of the first total immersion Early Childhood centre in Te Wai Pounamu appropriately called Nōku Te Ao where this attitude is cultivated in the tamariki. They learn to create the world they want; seize all the opportunities the world has to offer; and be the best they can possibly be.

Rangimarie is a business consultant and company director with over 20 years experience in business, finance, and investment management - both in New Zealand and abroad in the UK.

She has played a leading role in establishing boards and management structures for the Ngāi Tahu structure that came into place in 1996 following Ngāi Tahu’s settlement. She has also had a long term involvement in Māori business and economic development including key roles in the Māori Development Corporation and Poutama Trust. Her governance experience includes a Directorship with Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation, the State Sector Standards Board, University of Canterbury, GPS Pacific Ltd and she is Managing Director of Parata Takurua Ltd.

She is also a Trustee with the Poutama Trust, Enterprise New Zealand Trust, Nōku Te Ao Early Childhood Charitable Trust and Te Ahikaaroa Kapahaka Inc.

She currently has her own company that specializes in strengthening the governance and management structures of Māori organizations throughout New Zealand. Rangimarie is not afraid to challenge the “norms” and develop governance and business management models that really work for Māori organizations. These are models that demonstrate international best practice while maintaining cultural integrity.

Her mission on Te Ohu Kaimoana is to ensure iwi are given every opportunity to create the worlds they want for their people through the successful management and development of this very important asset.