KPMG New Zealand Appoints Tiare Otene as Māori Sector Lead

KPMG is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiare Otene (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa) as the Firm’s Māori Sector Lead, succeeding Riria (Missy) Te Kanawa.

Tiare brings with her extensive experience leading organisational development and change within local and central Government, iwi, and community-focused organisations. Since joining KPMG almost three years ago, she has played a key role in helping to develop KPMG IMPACT’s economic and social development offerings, such as Tōmua.

Reflecting on the task ahead, Tiare shares, "I’m looking forward to taking on the leadership of KPMG’s Māori Sector. I’m eager to use my relationships across the firm and with Māori to bring value to whānau and communities.”

“My vision and leadership promise is to further bridge the relationship between KPMG, Māori businesses, Iwi, Hapū and Whānau, building on the substantial groundwork done to date. It’s a long road ahead, and I am well prepared for the challenge and thankful for the foundations that Missy has laid,” says Tiare.

Missy departs KPMG to take on a new strategy and governance role. During her nine and a half years at KPMG, she has significantly contributed to the firm's influential presence within the Māori sector. Missy’s tenure has been marked by establishing strong relationships with Māori businesses and organisations, including iwi, and successfully delivering numerous initiatives such as Māui Rau, Kiwa, and our Economic and Social Development work.

Reflecting on her time at KPMG, Missy expressed, "It has been an absolute privilege to work within KPMG and across the Māori sector. I am proud of our achievements and how the organisation has evolved. I have thoroughly valued the connections and relationships developed over the years, and I will miss KPMG, my colleagues, and my clients. I am confident Tiare will lead the Māori sector into the future."

KPMG CEO Jason Doherty reinforces why commitment to Māori remains a focus and highlights the strong connection between Te Ao Māori and the firm’s purpose to fuel prosperity for all New Zealanders.

“To live up to our purpose, we need to be involved in work that improves outcomes for Māori in New Zealand. Given the inequity of outcomes, there is still much work to do. To do that work, we have invested in leadership, methodologies, talent, and cultural competence. We’ll keep investing and growing."

“I look forward to the future of our Māori sector under Tiare’s leadership. We thank Missy for her service to her clients, the firm, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind,” says Doherty.”

ENDS