Joe joined Wakatū Incorporation in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer / GM Corporate Services and was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer in February 2025. Before his tenure at Wakatū, Joe served as the CFO at Parininihi ki Waitotara Incorporation.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (CAANZ), Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CIPFA UK), and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand (IoD). His extensive governance experience includes roles such as a previous Associate Director of Wakatū and external governance positions with the External Reporting Board (XRB), Te Ātiawa (Te Tauihu and Taranaki), Ngāti Tama (Te Tauihu) and Rangitāne (Wairarapa).

Born in Masterton and raised in the rural sector of the North Island, Joe is of Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Te Ātiawa, Rangitāne, and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.

joe.hanita@wakatu.org

Rōpata has been with Wakatū since 2002 and in the role of General Manager since 2007. Rōpata is a graduate of Otago University and has previously worked in the education sector at secondary and tertiary level. He also holds various Trustee and Director roles within the local community. He is the Chair of Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust. His iwi are Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Koata.

ropata.taylor@wakatu.org

Scottish by birth, Iain arrived in New Zealand in 2010 along with his young family. Iain has an Honours Degree in Forestry Management, a Masters in Land Economy and is a professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

iain.sheves@wakatu.org

Nō Ingarangi oku tīpuna,
I tae toku whānau ki Kawatiri, ki Mohua,
Engari, I whānau mai ahau ki Whakatū.

As General Manager Kono | Tumu Kono, Marina is responsible for our food and beverage businesses including Kono Horticulture (growing pipfruit, kiwifruit in the Motueka rohe), Tohu Winery & vineyards based in Awatere Valley, Marlborough, and Upper Moutere, Tasman, and Hop Federation Brewery in Motueka.