The Momentum Waikato Board has recently welcomed new trustee Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai and farewelled respected member Ken Stephens.
Maxine brings a wealth of governance experience as a director in both the business realm and Te Ao Maaori. Currently she is also on the boards of KiwiRail, St John, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Aotearoa New Zealand and Raukura Hauora o Tainui.
The opportunity to join an organisation focused on positive change for local communities is one she is happy to take up.
“I wasn’t looking for another volunteer role, but Momentum’s focus on being transformational is appealing, and it is doing things I haven’t been involved with before, so I could see I would learn a lot as well.
“I know several of the Board members from previous roles, I’m impressed by the sort of people involved, where they’re positioning themselves. No one gets paid, they make the effort because it is a good purpose, I like to be around people like that,” says Maxine.
Ken is a partner with KPMG and has been the community foundation’s Treasurer since 2017. He says he has loved his time on the Momentum Waikato Board.
“Being a part of philanthropy in action has been hugely rewarding,” says Ken.
“I have felt privileged and proud to be part of making a real difference in the Waikato through connection and collaboration, it is something that aligns very closely to my personal values.
“Every day we see need and the last couple of years, in particular, have created huge inequity. Momentum has been able to evolve and create real solutions to help fill the gaps.
“To have been part of a diverse group of people that bring their different ideas and perspectives together has been inspiring. Many projects require not just funding, but great governance, operational excellence and sheer force of will. I have seen all of these things brought to bear, that’s where the magic happens.
“Momentum has such a unique role in the Waikato, and beyond. The foresight and generosity of those who established it as a community foundation and contribute to its ongoing success still amazes me. I have no doubt that Momentum will continue to deliver important impact for decades to come.”
Momentum trustees are recruited by a dedicated Board Appointments Panel, with the goal of having a diverse and representative range of voices around the table.
That Board Appointments Panel is made up of the Chairs or their nominees from Momentum itself, the WEL Energy Trust as cornerstone investor, Waikato Tainui, and the Institute of Directors Waikato Branch, a nominee chosen by the Mayors of Hamilton, Waipa and Waikato, and three independent members appointed by the Panel itself for the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a balanced and effective group.