Te Rehia Papesch joins the Waikato LAC with extensive community and governance experience that awarded her a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community and public service in 2021.

Ko Waikato-Maniapoto, ko Ngāti Porou, ko Ngāti Whakaue hoki ōna iwi.

Te Rehia has been a public servant since 1982 and, until recently, Regional Commissioner for the Ministry of Social Development for more than 22 years, working in the Waikato region. She has been involved with many community boards and committees in the areas of kaumatua well-being, marae, education, and youth offending. She was a long-standing member of the Fraser High School Board of Trustees and was previously the Chair of both the Ngaruawahia High School Board of Trustees and member of the Expert Advisory Panel for Rauawaawa Kaumatua Social Services. She is Secretary/Treasurer of Hui Te Rangiora Catholic Marae Incorporated, and a former Chair of Taioha Toa, a charitable trust with the Hamilton Police that enhances community safety through reducing youth offending.

“I believe in the kaupapa of the Local Advisory Committees and fully support working alongside and with the communities to hear the community voice.”

Shayne holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Waikato, which he has used in his career working in the tertiary education sector, and leading hapū economic development in Northland. Shayne is also privileged to serve as a governance member with Pregnancy Counselling Services, Volunteering Waikato – Te Ohu Tuuao o Waikato, and Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa, and is inspired by how voluntary, not-for-profit, and community organisations in particular willingly respond to physical, emotional, social and economic needs.

“I enjoy participating in the not-for-profit sector, making a contribution to the communities which I am a part of. I am excited to join the LAC to continue this work.”

Jan brings extensive governance and experience as RMA commissioner for Ministry for the Environment and previously as a Local Body Politician for Waikato District Council. Her experience in governance includes roles such as Chair for Te Araroa Trust Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, North Waikato Crime Prevention Trust and Waikato District Lakes and Freshwater Wetlands. Jan also held roles as a national board member for Te Araroa Trail Trust and WWF-NZ, and as a member of Waikato SPCA. She is also a life member of the RSPCA, a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of NZ and involved in a wide range of community initiatives in the Waikato.

“I am thrilled to join the Waikato LAC to share my passion for community work and ensuring the safety and sustainability of my communities.”

Lauola currently works for Foundation North after previously working for the Department of Internal Affairs, Community Operations, for 10 years as a Community Advisor.

With a background in environmental studies and sustainability, Lauola brings a passion for the not-for-profit sector and climate change, with experience in volunteering on various boards.

Lauola is of Samoan (village of Alamagoto) and Palagi (New Zealand) descent and is proud of her Pacific heritage. Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, she now lives in the Coromandel Peninsula with her young family.

“I am looking forward to being part of the LAC and having the opportunity to give my community a voice.”

Lisa brings her experience in governance as a third term ward Councillor for Whaingaroa Raglan and an elected member of Waikato District Council along with her roles as Chair of the Sustainability and Wellbeing Committee, Whaingaroa/Raglan Trade Aid Trust, Raglan Naturally Advisor, New Zealand Schools National Executive committee member, Raglan Community Response group member, community representative Raglan Area School Board of Trustees and committee member for Motakotako Marae.

Lisa's hapū are Ngāti Whakamarurangi and Ngāti Mahanga Hourua.

“A Waikato Local Advisory Committee, alongside other LACs, is an opportunity to collaborate across our communities, to share expertise, knowledge, ideas and resourcing to serve the many.”

Jeremy is Partner and CEO of his own community and cultural development practice, Navigator Limited. He has senior leadership experience in health, including heading the Ngāti Tuwharetoa health provider arm and the formation of its Whānau Ora Alliance.

He is a current member of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Standards Committee for the New Zealand Law Society and a Trustee of Sport Bay of Plenty. Jeremy lives in Taupō and has also worked extensively in Tūrangi and Mangakino.

“I am passionate about communities and work that focuses on ensuring the voice of communities is heard. I think there is a real opportunity to drive better fire and emergency management responses for communities by working with them; learning from what worked for them and what didn’t in past events. It is a privilege to be a member of the LAC for Waikato.”

Karl is CFO of Ngaruawahia Volunteer Fire Brigade and works as the Health & Safety & Procurement Manager for a large-scale housing manufacturing company, BUILTSmart Limited.

He has also owned and operated a number of medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing, importing and dairying sectors in the Waikato region. Coupled with his extensive business knowledge, Karl has actively been involved with several fire brigades in the Waikato region, volunteering for over 30 years with the Huntly, Hamilton and Ngaruawahia volunteer fire brigades.

He has also been a UFBA advocate to support and mentor other members around the country. Karl brings extensive community connections and operational skills in risk management to the role and was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in 2017 for his service to the New Zealand Fire Service and for business.

Edmond is Ngāti Hako, Tainui, Ngāti Porou. Edmond holds a Master of Laws (Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Peoples Law) with First Class Honours, and has taught and practiced law, conducted research, acted in government roles, and served on a range of committees. He can articulate his message well and balances this with a pragmatic approach. He is skilled in working across cultures, particularly Pacific Peoples. Edmond described himself as coming from the flax roots of the community and is a current committee member of The National Ethics Advisory Committee (NEAC) – appointed by the Minister of Health.

“Being on the Waikato LAC means I can continue to be in a position of service to the community, I really believe in the concept of community flax roots.”