Pita Tipene

Pita Tipene is a prominent Māori business leader known for his commitment to community-focused economic development. He holds multiple leadership roles, including chairing the Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust and the Waitangi National Trust, and is the co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Co-operation Arrangement (Ipetca). Tipene is dedicated to creating a circular economy that prioritizes the needs of Māori communities over mere profit, as exemplified by his work with the housing provider Te Pouahi o Te Taitokerau, which aims to address homelessness in Northland. His efforts have been recognized with the Māori Business Leader Award at the Te Taitokerau Māori Business Excellence Awards.