Marama Royal MNZM, JP has been a Director of Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust since 2010 and served as Chair since December 2O17. The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust is the governing entity, whose purpose is to receive, administer and protect the Trust’s assets to ensure the cultural, social and commercial development of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for the benefit of its members.

Mārama holds several directorships and chair roles across Tamaki and Aotearoa and has recently been appointed as Pro Chancellor at AUT. In addition, her current voluntary roles within the community include serving as a Justice of the Peace and as an Independent Marriage Celebrant.

Her fields of expertise include extensive experience in strategic planning, relationship management, leadership, governance, and organisational change. For Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, as the tangata whenua of Central Tāmaki, climate change and sustainability of our environment are top priorities. The protection and restoration of our whenua and moana are key to the future. Marama is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for whānau, especially our kaumatua and is a servant of her people.

Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu: Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations, especially the tamariki and mokopuna, our leaders of tomorrow