Te Tuara Trust is the governing body of TIPENE (responsible for both Kura and Kaingarua) supporting the work of the Tumuaki. 

The St Stephen’s and Queen Victoria Schools Trust Board as owners of the land and buildings have a lease arrangement with Te Tuara Trust to ensure the TIPENE education and special character elements of delivery are executed. 

Te Ururoa Flavell (Chair)

Trained as a teacher, and taught at the secondary and tertiary level for many years. He completed a Master of Arts degree at the University of Waikato in 1986. He later held a number of roles in the education sector, including school principal of St Stephens School, and then worked as a consultant to various government agencies. A New Zealand politician who was a co-leader of the Māori Party from 2013 until 2018 representing the Waiariki electorate for the party in Parliament from 2005–2017. Currently a Lecturer for Waikato University and Cultural Adviser and Consultant.

Adam Pink-Martin (Board member) 

Adam graduated top of Aotearoa with Honors from The University of Auckland. He has a unique blend of business acumen and legal expertise, with vast experience in construction, business, and legal systems. Adam’s strong knowledge of business and finance will be instrumental in supporting Te Rōpu Whakahaere and TIPENE, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all aspects of TIPENE and the organisation.

Nathan York (Board member) 

Nathan has extensive senior management and governance experience with a number of private and public entities. He has successfully delivered a number of nationally recognised development projects and is currently CEO of Bluehaven Group. His experience and expertise with management and property will help Te Rōpu Whakahaere by keeping on task with all the up coming projects and property Development at TIPENE. 

Doug Hauraki (Board member) 

Originally appointed as Pou Tikanga in March 2021, Doug’s title is Tumu Tikanga. Doug has worked with, and around, the public sector for over 54 years. He has held numerous senior leadership positions, including chief executive of what is now Te Matatini, and the Māori Education Trust. Doug has a BA and Diploma in Social Work from Victoria University, and is a licenced interpreter of Te Reo Māori.

He is the Oranga Tamariki te ao Māori cultural leader and is responsible for supporting the Ministry in lifting its cultural competence and confidence.

Bernard Te Paa (Board member) 

Bernard is a Senior Executive Manager with over 25 years of experience in health, local and central government, tertiary education, and iwi. His focus has been on driving improved health, social, and economic outcomes for Māori and communities facing disparities. Currently serving as Group Manager, Māori Crown Relations at the Ministry of Health, Bernard collaborates with Iwi, Waitangi tribunal claimants, and health entities to ensure whānau participation in health service design, delivery, and monitoring within the new health system. He played a key role in designing the new health system, establishing Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority), Te Whatu Ora, and Iwi Māori Partnership Boards. Prior to this, Bernard held positions at various District Health Boards, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, and Auckland Council.