Trust Horizon welcomes its first Future Director to the boardroom table

Kataraina Monika

2025 will see a fresh face join the Trust Horizon board, with the appointment of Kataraina Monika as the organisation’s first ever Board Observer under the Future Directors programme.

Introduced by the Institute of Directors (IoD), the Future Directors programme is designed to increase the diversity in the boardroom by helping the next generation of governance talent gain a seat at the table.

The programme seeks out high calibre director candidates, then matches them with a host board, where they gain an invaluable head start by spending a 12 or 18 month period observing high-level governance.

Having witnessed Horizon Energy Group successfully appoint their own Future Director through the programme, Trust Horizon reached out to take part. “It was less a question of ‘why would we’, and more, ‘why wouldn't we?’” says Trust Horizon Trustee, Merrin Stables. “It’s a great opportunity to give an up-and-comer exposure to a high level of corporate governance, while also building the board’s diversity of input, views, and voices.”

The role was advertised through local media, and the IoD’s database was searched for appropriate candidates. Trust Horizon was then presented with a shortlist of names – one of which was Kataraina’s.

A Project Manager for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Trustee of Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, Kataraina Monika already had several years of governance experience under her belt. For Trust Horizon, this experience set Kataraina apart from her peers.

“Kataraina demonstrated an impressive commitment to corporate governance, including completing the IoD’s five-and-a-half day Company Directors’ Course,” says Merrin. “She had the enthusiasm for a governance role, and by working with various committees from very early on in her career she had put herself in a great position to secure one.” 

Kataraina’s trajectory began with a Bachelor of Humanities, majoring in Indigenous Studies and Business. “As a young wāhine Maori, my studies cemented that I wanted to do something that supports community, my culture, and indigenous minorities,” says Kataraina. “One way to do that is by having a voice at the table, and that’s what led me towards the governance space.”

Kataraina’s early experiences were shaped by the loss of close family members, including her mother and grandparents. Navigating life without those guiding figures contributed to a sense of maturity from a young age. “Growing up surrounded by lots of siblings and whānau, both older and younger, heavily influenced the value I place on community. It’s one of the things that makes me, me.”

Commitment to community has been a hallmark of Kataraina’s career, which has seen her hold positions on the Whakatāne Youth Council and other youth committees and groups. At age 25, joining the Future Directors programme was a natural next step to broaden Kataraina’s board experience.

When the opportunity with Trust Horizon was presented, the organisation’s community focus strongly resonated. “I wanted to work in an organisation I was passionate about, so I did a deep dive on Trust Horizon,” says Kataraina. “Seeing the mahi they’ve done, their community focus and what they stand for, made me sure I wanted to apply for the role.”

Kataraina is looking forward to her first board meeting at the end of May. “I’d like to think I bring a fresh, young, wāhine Maori perspective, as well as the project management skills of my day-to-day mahi.”

Trust Horizon’s Trustees also look forward to Kataraina joining the team. “Kataraina has a deep connection with her iwi and a strong focus on youth employment, which is a key impact investment area for us,” says Merrin. “Kataraina’s contribution will be an asset to the Trust, and we’re thrilled to welcome her on board.”

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