Richard affiliates to the Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Tukorehe tribes of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Richard is Development Manager with Waikato/Tainui tribe and is committed to generating opportunities for Indigenous businesses to collaborate and trade.
Richard is passionate about the development of Maori and Indigenous business models that reflect and integrate the culture of the Tangata Whenua (original people of the land) into the way in which they conduct business and clarify their vision and purpose. He has provided advisory services to over 300 Maori organizations during 18 years as a management consultant and has been involved in a range of strategic initiatives for Maori across various industries.Richard sits on several boards and is also a businessman in his own right with interests in the kiwifruit industry. He is a fluent speaker of the Maori language, has wide experience in Maori education, and is happily married with six children.
Richard also leads Te Ohu Whai Ao Charitable Trust which was set up to organize WIBF 2018 to be hosted by the Māori people of New Zealand/Aotearoa. The Trust will also represent Māori from New Zealand on the World Indigenous Business Network.
