Piripi Winiata
Director and Co-founder
Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu
Piripi developed strong analytical skills as a litigation lawyer before moving into consulting across iwi, business and government. He helps clients navigate complex issues, assess opportunities and turn aspirations into practical strategies.
His experience spans public policy, Māori–Crown relationships, business cases and investment proposals. He previously led the Māori–Crown relations team at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, bringing insight into government decision-making and Māori housing.
With degrees in law and commerce, Piripi combines analytical rigour with commercial understanding. A graduate of Te Panekiretanga (Institute of Excellence in the Māori Language) and co-founder of Te Pōkaitara, he brings cultural fluency and a commitment to Māori aspirations.
Te Ahooterangi Pihama
Director and Co-founder
Ngāti Māhanga, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki Iwi, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Whanaunga
Te Aho combines commercial banking experience with expertise in Māori strategy, governance and organisational change. Across twelve years in banking, including as Kiwibank’s Head of Māori Advisory, he worked to improve Māori access to capital, strengthen Māori housing pathways and embed te ao Māori within business strategy.
His consulting work helps organisations translate kaupapa Māori into practical strategies, governance frameworks and operating approaches. He brings financial and risk discipline alongside an understanding of culture, relationships and long-term value.
An Associate Director of Tainui Group Holdings and co-founder of Tāwhia Māori Bankers Rōpū, Te Aho connects people and institutions to advance Māori enterprise and shared prosperity.
Trina Pohatu
Director and Co-founder
Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, Te Ātiawa ki Taranaki
Trina brings close to twenty years’ experience across iwi organisations, government, consulting and governance, with more than a decade focused on Māori economic development.
Her expertise spans strategy, investment readiness, business cases, housing and whenua development, social procurement and impact assessment. At Waikato-Tainui, she led economic development initiatives supporting Māori enterprise, housing and community wealth-building.
Trina helps clients turn complex policy, funding and commercial requirements into practical decisions and delivery pathways. Her experience spans developing proposals and assessing investment opportunities, bringing commercial discipline alongside Māori aspirations and intergenerational outcomes.