Hobson Leavy is thrilled to announce that Maria Nepia has been appointed as Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Transpower.
Maria has built an extensive career across a diverse sectors including, iwi, hapu, whenua Māori, central and local government and the energy sector.
With over two decades of distinguished experience, Maria has demonstrated leadership in iwi/hapū environmental and economic stewardship. She most recently served as the Hautū of Te Rōpū Wai at Taumata Arowai, and prior to that, as the Executive Director for iwi/Māori in the Three Waters Reform (Local Water Done Well). Maria also holds governance positions with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Te Wai Māori Trust.
Maria has led several significant initiatives, including the Iwi/Māori Three Waters Programme at the Department of Internal Affairs, the Section 33 Transfer of Functions from Waikato Regional Council to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, negotiating joint management agreements between councils and iwi, and developed a long-standing relationship via an easement between the Lake Rotoaira Trust and Genesis Energy. Her expertise spans resource management, strategic planning, and economic development, always with the aspirations of iwi, hapū, and whenua Māori are in a position to prosper.
Please join us in congratulating Maria on her appointment.
