Deputy Māori Trustee appointed

Mr Tuuta says he is delighted with Debra’s commitment to the Māori Trustee team:  “Debra brings exceptional experience in investment and funds management, as well as a strong interest in the development and growth of Māori assets. I look forward to utilising her expertise and perspective at the management table, and am sure  she will make a strong contribution to our mission of managing and protecting current assets and developing new and innovative ideas for the future.”

Debra has more than thirty years experience in managing financial markets assets in New Zealand, Australia and Asia. After starting her career in The Development Finance Corporation of New Zealand she moved to Hong Kong and held senior positions for large international companies such as Bank of America and The Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation. On returning to Australasia, she established her own funds management company in Sydney.

After returning to New Zealand in 2003, Debra continued her career with work related to the global financial markets. She is also a current director on the board of Kordia.  Other projects have included: offering advice to The Minister of Māori Affairs in respect of enhancing Māori Funds Management expertise and a paper on The Carbon Trading and Emissions Scheme - The Māori Perspective. She has Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Apa and Ngāti Hauiti heritage with strong connections to the Tuaropaki Trust.