Mike Minnell

Chairperson - Ngāti Porou

Mike is currently a serving soldier with the Military Police NZDF.

Mike has a very colourful and diversified background from serving in the NZ Army and working for the NZ Police and Department of Corrections to working in both the Public and Maori health sectors.  In addition, Mike previously managed his own entertainment company, which provided artist management services, event management and mentoring. 

He is also a qualified Stand Up Paddleboard & Surf instructor, personal trainer, International Taekwon Do Black Belt instructor and former NZ Black Belt champion and serves on the Aotearoa Taekwon Do Academy, Vice President of ITF New Zealand,  and is the Chairman of the Performing Arts Development Trust.

Mike's passion is seeing people achieve in everything they set out to do and he's always happy to lend a hand where he can.

Mob. 021 0230 9578  |  Email. mike@tmba.org.nz  |  View Linkedin Profile

Shelley Cunningham BMS/LLB, CA

Treasurer - Ngāti Awa, Whakatohea, Tuhoe, Ngāti Porou

Shelley Cunningham is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Manager with GHA Chartered Accountants 

Shelley graduated from the University of Waikato with a conjoint degree in Law and Management, majoring in Accounting.  Her career started as a graduate accountant and business services advisor for Vazey Child Chartered Accountants in Hamilton before moving to Staples Rodway Auckland to specialise as a tax consultant.

After spending a few years in Auckland, Shelley (who is originally from Ohope in the Eastern Bay of Plenty), decided it was time to move back to the 'Bay' and ended up joining Ingham Mora in their business advisory division.   In her current role, Shelley provides specialist tax advice to both Maori and non-Maori organisations and individuals, financial and management reporting, and other business services.

Shelley is passionate about Maori and Maori businesses and helping them to develop and grow. 

Email. accounts@tmba.org.nz  |  View Linkedin Profile

Lara Burkhardt BBS, LLB (Hons)

Board Member - Ngāti Whātua

Lara Burkhardt is a Partner at Holland Beckett Lawyers.

Lara has 15 years experience specialising in environmental and resource management law, acting for a range of private, corporate, industry and infrastructure clients at all stages of consenting development and in relation to planning policy, compliance, prosecution and enforcement matters.  Lara also acts for a number of iwi entities and land trusts/incorporations, both locally and in the wider Bay of Plenty and Northland areas.

Lara joined Holland Beckett Lawyers in January 2009 and became a partner in 2011.  Prior to this she spent several years working for large law firms in Auckland and Melbourne, and spent one year with a local council in London. 

Originally from Whangarei, Lara spent her high school years in Tauranga where she represented the Bay in swimming.  She is a volunteer lifeguard at the Omanu Surf Lifesaving Club and regularly competes in open water and masters surf lifesaving events.  Lara is also a Trustee of the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust.

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Jacqui Rolleston

Secretary - Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pukenga

Jacqui also has a strong Local Government background currently working on Project Management. Jacqui brings her wealth of knowledge from running her own successful Events/Wedding planning business to her current project work within the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Comprehensive experience planning various corporate and special events including weddings within her business blissful weddings, local government authorities, charities, and associations. She Specialises in Event Management; Wedding Planning; Project Management; Consulting.

Matiu Taurau- BCom CA

Board Member- Rangitāne, Ngā Puhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu

Management Consultant at Glenn Hawkins Association

As a management consultant Matiu brings with him a wealth of international and local experience in business. Matiu has been a Chartered Accountant since 2008, and most recently worked for listed company Comvita as their accountant. Previously, Matiu worked as an auditor with Audit New Zealand before heading to the UK where he worked with Fortune 500 company General Electric. Matiu’s knowledge and experience span a number of industries and sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, retail and Māori authorities. Matiu is pleased to be lending his considerable talent, skills, and energy to helping our members succeed.

Ngaria Rolleston 

Board Member- Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Whakaue

Ngaria Rolleston is the Communications and Business Development Manager for Te Awanui Huka Pak Ltd.

Ngaria Rolleston has a strong background in Communications and Event Management coupled with extensive experience at many different levels within Maori organisations from strategy design to implementation and delivery. Ngaria’s previous roles include Youth Project Manager at He Mauri Ohooho – Maori Economic Development Advisory Group and Communications and Business Manager for Federation of Maori Authorities. She is also an advisor on ongoing local and national projects that provide Maori women with a network focused on leadership, learning, networking and inspiration.

Awhina August BCOM

Board Member - Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Porou

Awhina graduated from Auckland University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Management and Commercial Law.  She has worked with various organisations from SkyCity Auckland Ltd to start up Companies with her strength in Management, Events and Business Development.

She joined Te Puna i Rangiriri, a cultural and arts Trust in 2014, whose main objective is to uphold kaupapa Maori initiatives in Tauranga and in the wider community.  She is also the Chair of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepou where both her children attend.

She is passionate about advancing Tangata Whenua and believes that through kaupapa driven events you can inspire, educate and motivate our people.