Our Trusts

Paraone Pirika

Born, raised and educated in Rotorua.

Actively involved in the activities of whānau, hapū and iwi, and has a lifetime of being immersed within a traditional pā/marae environment in Te Arawa. Is very much committed to utilising traditional Māori principles within those activities.

Has a BA (Maori Studies), Diploma of Teaching (secondary), Cert. in Business (First Line Management) – comes from a background of working in the education and social services sector, specialising in the area of youth development.

Married for over 40 years, has two daughters, two mokopuna and is a strong advocate for Kaupapa Māori education.
“Tēnei au, tēnei au, te hōkai nei taku tapuae”

Clark Pirika

Born in Lower Hutt and raised in Upper Hutt.  Also educated in Upper Hutt and spent 5 years at Te Aute College.  

Lived and worked in Wellington for 13 years before moving home to Rotorua in 1994.  Has 13 years experience in the Information Technology and Information Management industry.  Holds a number of tertiary qualifications including a Bachelor of Computing Systems degree with UNITEC and Waiariki Institute of Technology. 

Married nearly 25 years to Kirstin and has 2 sons - Arama-Karaka aged 21 and Eruana-Karaka aged 18.  Actively involved with whānau, marae and hapū.

Born and raised in Rotorua.
I proudly wear the mantle of being a navy man for over 20 years and returned home in the early 1990’s.

Since coming home, I’ve been keeping myself busy looking after the Owhata Marae taking on roles like being Secretary, Treasurer, caterer, involved with the Hinemoa Sports and Cultural Club and like Vicki, the “go to person”. 

Born and raised in Owhata.  Educated in Rotorua and at St Stephens College. 

I’ve worked in the Banking and Financial sector for approx. 21 years and 9 of those years were spent in Australia.
I returned home in 2004 and spent a brief period in Hawkes Bay before returning to Rotorua with my family. 

I’m currently studying towards a Bachelor of Iwi Environmental Management with Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
The programme has a huge focus on Kaitiakitanga and the importance we play in the future management of our whenua.

Tena koutou, my name is Simon Barakat and I was born in Pongaroa (Kahungunu country). Being a trustee helps me connect with our tupuna as it was they who left us with this taonga, and therefore it is up to us to nurture and maintain for the future generations.

I have been involved in Te Roro o te Rangi / Turipuku mahi for the last 7 years, and a marae trustee for the past 4 years.

No reira e te whanau whanui, hokia ki o maunga kia purea ai koe e nga hau a Tawhirimatea, nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te whanau.

Born and raised in Ohinemutu.  I’m very family oriented which makes me happy.

I’ve been involved in many trusts and continue to do so.  I’ve also been a member of the Women’s Health League for many years - Kia hiwa ra, kia hiwa ra.

I’m the “go to person” at Te Kuirau marae and I like to keep busy by working this marae and Tunohopu as well.  I enjoy looking after my mokopuna and catching up with whanau as much as possible.

Born and raised in Rotorua.  Educated at Rotorua and went to Western Heights High School.

I’m married with two children, Nikahere and James. 
I work as a truck driver and my wife Debbie work’s in wholesales at the Jade Factory.

We also run our dog boarding kennel business.  When I get time, I like to fish, drag race, rebuild car’s and show bull terriers.