Joanie Wilson

Joanie Wilson descends from Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Taranaki, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāi Tahu. She is Tumu Whakarae of Whakarewa, formerly Ngāti Rārua Te Ātiawa Iwi Trust, leading its strategic, cultural and commercial direction. A respected Te Tauihu leader, Joanie brings extensive experience in governance, education and iwi development, including as Chair of Ngāti Koata Trust and through previous roles with the Ministry of Education. Her leadership spans strategy, organisational change and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on whānau wellbeing, cultural revitalisation, climate resilience, protection of taonga and creating intergenerational opportunities.

At Kai Anamata mō Aotearoa, Joanie brings a mana whenua and place-based perspective to the Te Tauihu Regional Food Strategy and Motueka Call, drawing on Whakarewa’s Te Maara Tau Whenua, Tau Tangata framework and its work across food sovereignty, ecological restoration, climate resilience and māra kai. This provides a practical example of how regional food-system aspirations can translate into action at a local level, grounded in whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and intergenerational wellbeing.