Di Maxwell
Di has four children and three step-children and is Nana to twelve grandchildren; most of her family live in the Far North. She holds a Post Graduate qualification in Sustainable Leadership and Sustainable Exchange (Alternative Economics). She is a retired district councillor and has worked in the fields of agriculture (beef farming), meat processing, publishing and journalism, and retail and service industries.
Kelly Wedekind
Ko Otupawhero te Maunga
Ko Taumarere te Awa
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te Waka
Ko Ngati Manu me Croatia nga Iwi
Ko Ngati Manu, Te Uri o Hau, Patuharakeke me Ngati Korčula nga hapu
Ko Ngati Manu te Marae
Ko Kelly Wedekind ahau
My whakapapa grounds and connects me to that which I hold precious. It shapes and guides the person I am today, the person that is committed to reclaiming our histories, our taonga tuku iho and all that matters deeply to us.
I am a mum of two, with a background in banking and accounting. I completed my business degree and post graduate diploma while working full time in an accounting firm from July 2007 and attaining my Certificate of Public Practice in March 2021. This skill set I bring to the table.
Professional qualifications and memberships include:
– Bachelor of Business Degree – Accounting Major
– Chartered Accountant with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
– Certificate of Public Practice
Community / Marae / Whanau based projects:
– Treasurer for Ngati Manu Marae, Karetu
– Whanau representative for Ngahani Pomare on Te Tahuhu Nui o Ngati Manu
– Tahuhu Nui o Ngati Manu representative, Treasurer and Trustee on Te Whakaaetanga Trust (large natural grouping with Ngāti Manu, Patukeha, Ngati Kuta, Ngati Torehina ki Mataka)
– Previous treasurer for Paihia Sea Scouts
– Pro bono Accountant for Mid North Victim Support Group Kaikohe3
– Trustee for Far North Resilient Communities Charitable Trust
I look forward to working together with you to realise the aspirations for our community.
Asha Andersen
Asha lives on a beautiful forested mountain-side in the Waiare Valley, on the edge of Whangaroa. She’s passionate about nature, wildlife, the environment, community and sustainable living. Asha has spent many years as a volunteer co-ordinator for the local Bay of Islands – Whangaroa Transition Towns network, keeping community connected and informed.
“I think when we get back to nature all the stresses of the modern world suddenly don’t seem so overwhelming after all. Gardening, hiking in the forest, hanging out with animals, friends, family and eating good food are all things I love to do.”
“I am very grateful to be part of the Far North Resilient Communities Trust alongside other amazing, inspirational people who care deeply about our neck of the woods. I am super excited to see what we can accomplish when we work together.”
Rueben Taipari
Rueben Taipari Porter was born in Ahipara in the summer of ’68. His Grandfather is from Ngapuhi ki Whangaroa, and Grandmother is from Te Rarawa Ngati Kahu. He married into Ngati Hine, and has lived off the whenua and moana all his life.
Experience includes:
– Far North Environment Centre Trustee 21 yrs
– Ranginui Te Whare Akoranga reo Trustee 15 yrs
– Ahikaaroa Maori Housing Trustee (current)
– ANT Trustee (current)
– Ahipara Coastal Patrol chairman (current)
– 2008 Green Ribbon award recipient
– 2019 NZ Builders Innovative award recipient
– 2021 Northland Business awards
– 2022 Minister for Health award
Former Trustees
Ken Ross
Ken Ross is by training and inclination a ‘Human Ecologist’, with strong interests in how people live well in their places. Ken and his wife live in an evolving food forest on the outskirts of Kerikeri. Ken spent many years in the role as Community Development Advisor for the Far North District Council.
David Maxwell
David was raised on a farm near Kaeo in a self-sufficient household; the love of nature flows through his veins. He has spent a lot of time at sea and learned much from directly witnessing environmental problems around the world. He is a passionate supporter of, and extremely knowledgeable in the subject of Regenerative Agriculture.