Kerira Tapene joined Mather Solutions in August 2023 and proudly brings her whakapapa from Ngāti Hine, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Maniapoto.
She has experience engaging with Māori across the motu, with strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and te reo Māori. Her background in strategy development is enriched by her experience in areas such as enhancing workplace capability, conducting thorough market assessments, crafting business and fostering Māori development through contextual application of te Tiriti and whakaaro Māori.
Fluent in te reo Māori and a second language learner, Kerira’s dedication to te reo Māori is unwavering, positioning her as a true champion of its revitalisation and integration. She attributes her understanding of te ao Māori to the teachings and upbringing from her parents and grandparents.
Prior to Mather Solutions Kerira worked at Deloitte, where she thrived as a Consultant, wielding her prowess in strategy development. Kerira also brings experience working with Māori organisations Whāriki Māori Business Network and Ira Aotearoa.
A Waipapa Taumata Rau graduate, Kerira holds a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degree, with majors in Māori Studies, Media, Film and Television, Marketing, and Commercial Law – a testament to her interdisciplinary prowess. Her passion for leadership led her to helm the Ngā Tauira Māori Auckland University Students Association as Tumuaki, while also serving as a vital member of Te Mana Ākonga, the national Māori Students Association. Within Te Mana Ākonga, she has worn the hats of both secretary and treasurer, underscoring her commitment to driving change at the grassroots level.
Currently, Kerira holds a role as a Board member for Tupu Toa. Drawing from her own experience as an alumni of the program, she is dedicated to serving tauira who follow in her footsteps.
With her rich blend of strategic acumen, cultural fluency, and unyielding passion, Kerira stands as an exemplar of a new generation of leaders driving meaningful change.