Vernette Shapland (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) is a wāhine Māori business owner passionate about systemisation, sustainability, and digital solutions. She leads two ventures: ReachDesign, supporting service-based businesses to improve systems and workflows, and Nnette Ltd, offering unique eco-accommodation in Wairarapa. Deeply rooted in her whakapapa and inspired by her late mother, Vernette’s mahi blends Te Ao Māori with innovation. As a trustee for Māori in Business Wairarapa, she champions kaupapa Māori, offering governance, strategy, and communications expertise to help Māori businesses thrive.

Tui Rutherford is a seasoned small business leader and Co-Chair of Māori in Business Wairarapa. With over 30 years of experience supporting pakihi iti, he brings deep expertise in strategy, governance, and business resilience. Tui leads Waitotara Consulting, and has held key leadership roles across local and central government, including Head of Small Business Services at MBIE and Manager, Business & Enterprise at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (the Economic Development Agency for Tāmaki Makaurau). Passionate about helping Māori businesses thrive, his mahi is grounded in equity, sustainability, and long-term impact for these business and the communities they sit in.

Olivia Van der Veen (Kāi Tahu) is the founder of Pipiri Limited, a Wairarapa-based, whānau-owned business offering both kaupapa Māori consultancy and professional tiling services. Olivia leads the consultancy arm, specialising in cultural supervision, facilitation, and organisational development that supports equity and Tiriti-led change. Her mahi is deeply inspired by the values of Pipiri—the first lunar month—emphasising reflection, reconnection, and forward planning. As a board member for Māori in Business Wairarapa, Olivia focuses on securing funding to support free membership and events. Her work is grounded in integrity, care, and a strong commitment to kaupapa Māori.

Anja Lister is a business consultant with a diverse background in business, accounting, coaching, and career pathways support. Through her work at ATM Lister Limited, she is committed to providing equitable guidance that empowers people to navigate their next steps with confidence and care. Anja’s strengths lie in governance, finance, and event coordination, with a focus on uplifting Māori pakihi and enabling practical, people-centred outcomes. As a member of the Māori in Business Wairarapa board since 2023, she brings a values-driven approach grounded in compassion, connection, and a deep belief in seeing others thrive.

Maxcine Snyman is a marketing and operations specialist with a passion for clear communication, streamlined systems, and empowering small to medium businesses—particularly in the trades. At ReachDesign, she helps businesses grow by implementing digital tools and automations that save time and improve customer experience. With a strong background in business systemisation and a creative eye for storytelling, Maxcine brings a practical yet thoughtful approach to her work. As a board member for Māori in Business Wairarapa, she supports kaupapa Māori through communications and community engagement, helping to amplify the voices and mahi of Māori-led enterprises.

Manaia Carswell is the owner and lead artist of Muri Aroha, a creative practice based in Wairarapa. As a skilled kairaranga and kaiwhatu, Manaia specialises in weaving bespoke kākahu and kete on commission. With whakapapa connections to Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine, her work is deeply rooted in Te Ao Māori and inspired by the teachings of her tīpuna. Since beginning her weaving journey in 2017, she has cultivated a unique style that blends traditional knowledge with personal expression. As a board member of Māori in Business Wairarapa, Manaia brings a vital artist’s voice to the kaupapa, fostering deeper community connections through toi and storytelling.