Mitchell Ritai Hei Te Waa Tītoki!

Parininihi ki Waitotara is farewelling Mitchell Ritai as he moves into a new position as Pouhautū of Parihaka Papakāinga Trust.

Mitchell was General Manager, Shareholder Engagement, with the PKW kaimahi whānau since 2017 and the first Charles Bailey scholar to be employed by PKW.

“While we’ve lost a an important leader within our organisation, we’ve always been committed to providing opportunities to help grow and develop our own,” says Jacqui King, PKW’sHead of Corporate Services.

“We believe we’ve provided that to Mitchell, which has added to his kete of experiences and capabilities to go on and continue his leadership for our whānau of Parihaka”.

Mitchell enjoyed working with PKW and says he is sad to leave such a good kaupapa, after being involved in many successful projects during his time at the organisation.

One of his most significant accomplishments was establishing the kaitiakitanga strategy, which develops and supports PKW’s intergenerational goals and aspirations for the whenua.

“To be involved in the initial design, development and establishment of this important project was a great win, not only for me but for PKW,” he says.

“I’m sure the new person will really take hold of the strategy and evolve it, ensuring the main values and the principles within the strategy remain at its core to ensure we are being good ancestors for the whenua.”

Mitchell‘s appointment is proof of the success of PKW’s education initiatives, administered by the PKW Trust. “He was our Charles Bailey scholar some years ago, ‘ says Jacqui. “With all our premier scholarships, there is a commitment within their agreement that they will give back to PKW. To see that being realised, in that he’s come through the ranks in the community to become a leader, is very gratifying. And now he’s going on to do bigger and greater things.”

Mitchell’s new role at Parihaka Papakāinga Trust was created as a result of the $9m reconciliation package and Crown apology for the 1881 invasion of the South Taranaki community by armed troops to the Parihaka community.

Recruitment for his replacement at PKW has begun, but given the importance of the role, and its unique skillset, time will be taken to find the right candidate.

“The person taking on the role has to be culturally strong, and has to be understanding of our community and the people we’re here to serve,” advises Jacqui. “But they also need the ability to be quite innovative in their thinking and manage multiple projects and activities, particularly the activities associated with the kaitiakitanga strategy.”

“We know there is a lot of talent in our community and are expecting a high calibre of candidates to apply.”

Mitchell’s role was a crucial one, heading up a team representing 10,500 shareholders, making sure they were kept up-to-date with the Incorporations activities.

“While we are all servants for our people, this role and Mitchell’s expertise in serving our whānau has guided the way for our PKW team” says Jacqui. As succession and share fragmentation may reduce the number of shares an individual holds, whakapapa becomes the strongest connection many shareholders have with PKW. Mitchell was responsible for helping our whānau to understand that connection and what it could mean for them.”

We extend our aroha and appreciation to Mitchell for his contributions to our kaupapa. As the whakataukī from Parehamore states “Hei te waa titoki” - at some time soon we will meet again.