We are delighted to congratulate Global Women member Bella Takiari-Brame, whose outstanding leadership has been honoured at the University of Waikato’s Distinguished Alumni Awards 2024.
Hailing from Ngāti Maniapoto and Waikato-Tainui, Bella credits her mother’s commitment to advancing Māori interests and her father’s hard work ethic for nurturing her own values-led ethos.
“I do what I do because I believe in a future that my children and mokopuna can thrive in, and be who what they want to be,” says Bella.
As interim CEO of the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board, Bella supported her iwi through the Covid-19 pandemic, setting up mobile vaccination services, solar power generators and internet connections, and coordinating food deliveries to the community through lockdowns.
A dedicated advocate for te ao Māori perspectives and a trailblazer in Māori governance, Bella held her first governance position at only 18 years old, acting as Treasurer for a Māori Land Corporation.
Today she holds a number of governance positions that reflect her commitment to marae, whenua and iwi, including Deputy Chair of Te Nehenehenui Trust, Director of Te Ohu Kaimoana and Moana New Zealand, and Chairperson of The Lines Company.
“I believe good governance means being a good listener and showing respect and compassion,” says Bella.
“My goal is that I’m not the only voice at governance level for diversity and Māori, that all of those at the board table are too.”
Bella holds governance positions in areas that can make a difference. Her commitment to Māori health and infrastructure further shines through in her work to empower Te Tiriti in the organisations she serves. Bella sits on the panel of the University Advisory Group, and is a board member of ACC, Crown Infrastructure Partners, New Zealand Healthcare Investments Ltd, and Braemar Hospital.
“The future of governance for women in New Zealand is on the right path,” says Bella.
“My contribution is being a leader in that space and paving the way for others to lead through humility and action.”
Additionally honoured at the University of Waikato’s Distinguished Alumni Awards was Rukumoana Schaafhausen (Ngāti Hauā, Waikato) and Stephen Knightly. The event honoured these three leaders and celebrated the University’s 60 years of operation.
Read more about Bella’s trailblazing leadership for Māori governance here.