Karen Vercoe

I reside on my papakāinga in Mourea, near Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotorua, and the Ōhau Channel, with a lifelong connection to our lakes and waterways. As a descendant of Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Mākino, the protection of our 14 lakes and awa is deeply personal and guides my commitment to this region. I bring an Iwi Māori perspective and hands-on experience in kaitiakitanga. I am an experienced governor and executive, now self-employed at KTV Consulting, providing strategic advice to charitable organisations. My previous roles include Chief Executive at Central Kids, Deputy Chief Executive Māori, Strategy and Performance at Department of Internal Affairs, and Chief Executive of Te Arawa Lakes Trust. I have governance experience with Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa, Data Iwi Leaders Group, Central North Island Iwi Holdings, Sport NZ, and a number of advisory roles with Government Agencies.