09-07-2025
Ms Tania Simpson Appointed First Woman Chair Of The Waitangi National Trust Board
Press Release – Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Tania Simpson (Ngpuhi, Ngi Tahu, Tainui) brings decades of experience at the highest levels in Mori governance, strategic leadership and Treaty engagement.
The Waitangi National Trust is excited to announce the appointment of Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson ONZM as its new Chairperson. In a historic milestone, Simpson becomes the first woman to hold the position since the Trust's establishment in 1932 and replaces outgoing Chair, Pita Tipene, who served in the role for the past 9 years.
Tania Simpson (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Tainui) brings decades of experience at the highest levels in Māori governance, strategic leadership and Treaty engagement.
Simpson is a nationally respected leader with a distinguished governance career, currently serving on the boards of Auckland International Airport, Meridian Energy and Waste Management New Zealand. Her previous roles include board positions with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, AgResearch and Tainui Group Holdings.
Her leadership was formally recognised when she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to Māori and governance. She has served as a Trustee of the Waitangi National Trust since 2017 and as Deputy Chair since 2021. As a member of Pomare's whanau she is the first woman on the Trust to represent a
rangatira of the Bay of Islands and has been an advocate for women speakers at Waitangi.
'I am honoured to take on this role at such an important time for our nation,' said Simpson. 'Waitangi is not just a place of history—it is a place of dialogue, of connection and of unity for all New Zealanders. I look forward to helping guide the Trust's work in raising awareness of the significance and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to build on the legacy of those who came before me.'
Ben Dalton, Chief Executive of Waitangi Ltd said, 'Tania's appointment is not only a landmark for the Trust but a testament to her unwavering dedication to the kaupapa of the Treaty. Her leadership will help deepen the understanding and relevance of Waitangi for generations to come.'
About the Waitangi National Trust
The Waitangi National Trust is the guardian of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of Aotearoa New Zealand's founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The private Trust works to uphold the intent and integrity of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of its governance and public engagement.
