Kia Ora
Karl is of Ngāi Tahu descent. His extensive career as a business owner and presence on many boards, brings a background in economic development, tourism and stewardship for the community and culture. Karl has also held many roles within Ngāi Tahu and Arowhenua to support regional development opportunities and initiatives, ultimately to enhance wellbeing. The tribal whakataukī: Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.
Activity
- Appointed SCDHB Board Member
- Alternate Representative for Te Runanga O Arowhenua Marae to the TRONT Board O Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu
- Chairperson, Arowhenua appointments review committee
- Chairperson, He Manu Hou – Bilingual Early childhood centre
- Committee Member – Te Aitarakihi Trust
- Chairperson, Te Aitarakihi Trust - Steering Committee
- Chairperson, Te Aitarakihi Trust - Building Committee
- Shareholder and Managing Director, Kitchens Direct NZ Limited
- Director for Venture Timaru
- Chair Māori Health Advisory Committee
Business Owner Since 1997
Karl has owned and operated Kitchens Direct in South Canterbury since 1997. A Timaru local and trained joiner, Karl has many years’ experience in the industry as both a craftsman, kitchen designer and a business owner. He leads a growing team of expert kitchen professionals, and is proud to partner with other local businesses and tradespeople to provide an end-to-end kitchen build service. Over the last 25 years, Karl has trained apprentices and tradespeople as joiners, many of whom have gone on to run their own businesses. In 2021 he launched is new kitchen franchise.
Advocate for Māori Health
Māori Health Advisor.
He is an appointed Board member (by the Minister of Health) for South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB). He chairs the Māori Health Advisory Committee for the SCDHB. This Committee ensures a focused lens on the health and equity outcomes for the Māori within the community of South Canterbury.
Māori Health Advisory Committee. Chair - Board Member Since 2021
Part of a network of iwi-Māori partnership boards feeding into the new Māori Health Authority to help understand what is needed at a locality level. It will help make sure that the way the health system operates in both the Māori Health Authority and Health NZ works together. The Māori Health Authority will help create a health system which is more equitable for Māori.
Advocate for Māori Business, Economy, & Tourism
Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu Board Governance.
He has been involved in Māori business development and Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu Board Governance for the last 15 years.
Venture Timaru Board member. Appointed April 2021.
Timaru District’s economic and tourism agency and Karl is part of a team that is passionate about this region and we're committed to working with individuals, businesses and industry sectors to grow the profile and well-being of this great district.
Advocate for Māori Culture
Committee Member. Te Aitarakihi Multi Cultural Centre. Since 2017. Bilingual Chair.
He is chairperson for the He Manu Hou Bilingual early childhood ECE Trust. He Manu Hou, the region's first bilingual teacher-led learning centre and welcome whānau of all cultures to be a part of the centre. The centre in Timaru was established as a place for all cultures, “Te Wāhi Karanga Mo Nga Iwi Katoa”. A gathering place for all cultures, all people, all communities, Māori and Pākehā, Polynesian and Melanesian, all cultures. A place to embrace the land. A place to be nurtured by the land. A place for hui whakangahau, a place for tangi, a place to take our sadness and our celebrations. It is a place for our children, for Rangatahi to stand tall, to be aware of their roots and heritage.
Craighead Diocesan School Māori Liaison Officer. As a proud Ngai Tahu iwi member Karl is passionate about Māori culture, music and language. In his down time you might find him teaching Kapa Haka.