Kapu Waretini (1982 – 2021)

Kapu Waretini found himself in leadership roles from a young age, and has dedicated his career to Maori improvement in the public sector, and local communities. Kapu has always wanted to serve his people and ensure they have the best possible access to opportunities.

Kapu’s commitment to quality accreditation for Maori organisations has been groundbreaking. His work at Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), the Ministry of Māori Development, saw him lead a team which sought to highlight Maori success and achievement for the world at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

In 2011, he oversaw the first ever accreditation granted to a Marae in Aotearoa. He progressed further training and accreditation for Marae across Tamaki, Waikato and Tauranga. The accreditation initiative originally intended to prepare Maori for hosting roles with the Rugby World Cup has now positioned these Marae to take up further tourism and business opportunities for the future.

In 2004, Kapu worked at the State Services Commission focussing on workplace training for young people throughout the Public Service.

As a recent addition to the executive team for the Committee for Auckland he was responsible for bringing iwi and corporates together to collectively achieve the Committee’s goal of a better Auckland.

A natural leader, Kapu effortlessly understood and engaged with people. Resilient, determined and always rose to a challenge. Kapu was well respected by his peers who believed he could achieve everything he set his mind to, while taking many others on his journey.