Meet the Trustees
Otama Marere is governed by six owner-elected Advisory Trustees, who represent the interests of the owners in partnership with Perpetual Trust Limited.
HOMMAN FELK TAPSELL -
Homman Tapsell has been the orchard manager of Otama Marere since 2007. He represents Māori on the executive committee of NZ Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and also manages orchards for Seeka Limited, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, and several whānau trusts.
Born and raised in Maketu, Homman whakapapa’s to Te Arawa and Tainui: Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Makino, Ngāti Pikiao, and Ngāti Raukawa, with a family connection to Otama Marere through his father, Winiata Pekamu Rewi Tapsell.
Homman holds a Diploma in Horticulture from Lincoln University and brings over 25 years of horticultural industry experience. Under his management, Otama Marere has maintained a top-performing orchard, including one of the first Māori orchards to transition to organic production. He has also led initiatives in wetland restoration, avocado cultivation, and innovative horticultural projects in partnership with Ngā Whenua Rahui and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
In his spare time, Homman enjoys growing native trees, supporting Māori growers, and sustaining the whenua for future generations.
Homman Tapsell has been the orchard manager of Otama Marere since 2007. He represents Māori on the executive committee of NZ Māori Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and also manages orchards for Seeka Limited, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, and several whānau trusts.
Born and raised in Maketu, Homman whakapapa’s to Te Arawa and Tainui: Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Makino, Ngāti Pikiao, and Ngāti Raukawa, with a family connection to Otama Marere through his father, Winiata Pekamu Rewi Tapsell.
Homman holds a Diploma in Horticulture from Lincoln University and brings over 25 years of horticultural industry experience. Under his management, Otama Marere has maintained a top-performing orchard, including one of the first Māori orchards to transition to organic production. He has also led initiatives in wetland restoration, avocado cultivation, and innovative horticultural projects in partnership with Ngā Whenua Rahui and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
In his spare time, Homman enjoys growing native trees, supporting Māori growers, and sustaining the whenua for future generations.
DIANE BERGHAN -
Diane is a proud recipient of the Otama Marere Education Grant (2001–2003), which supported her while completing a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland.
She is currently the Programme and Communications Manager for Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital, working with iwi, industry, science, and education partners to protect the region from unwanted pests and diseases. This role involves collaboration with organizations such as Zespri, Port of Tauranga, Kiwifruit Vine Health, Biosecurity New Zealand, Plant & Food Research, and NZ Avocado Growers, giving them strong insight into the threats facing the horticultural industry and access to the latest research and innovation projects.
She has also worked in kaupapa Māori organizations, as a Communications Manager at Māori Television (2012–2015), and during the seven years she lived in London, served on the board of Ngāti Rānana (The London Māori Culture Group). With a background in international business, communications, and innovation, she brings a fresh perspective and strategic insight to the Trust.
Outside of work, Diane enjoys being active and outdoors with her husband and two young boys, recently learning to surf as a whānau. They are committed to giving back to the community, including volunteering with Street Kai, preparing meals for whānau and individuals in need.
Diane is a proud recipient of the Otama Marere Education Grant (2001–2003), which supported her while completing a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland.
She is currently the Programme and Communications Manager for Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital, working with iwi, industry, science, and education partners to protect the region from unwanted pests and diseases. This role involves collaboration with organizations such as Zespri, Port of Tauranga, Kiwifruit Vine Health, Biosecurity New Zealand, Plant & Food Research, and NZ Avocado Growers, giving them strong insight into the threats facing the horticultural industry and access to the latest research and innovation projects.
She has also worked in kaupapa Māori organizations, as a Communications Manager at Māori Television (2012–2015), and during the seven years she lived in London, served on the board of Ngāti Rānana (The London Māori Culture Group). With a background in international business, communications, and innovation, she brings a fresh perspective and strategic insight to the Trust.
Outside of work, Diane enjoys being active and outdoors with her husband and two young boys, recently learning to surf as a whānau. They are committed to giving back to the community, including volunteering with Street Kai, preparing meals for whānau and individuals in need.
PETERA TAPSELL -
Petera was born and raised in Maketu and is the youngest of 19 children born to Winiata and Raukakawa Tapsell. He is of Te Arawa and Tainui descent, with links to Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, and Ngāti Raukawa.
After completing his education at Te Puke High School, Petera served nine years in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Following this, he worked in a variety of roles including Traffic Officer for the Ministry of Transport, restaurant management, Assistant Coordinator for the Te Māori Exhibition in Dunedin, and Probation Officer. He later became National Facilitator for the Corrections Department in Wellington before returning to the Bay of Plenty as a Probation Officer to be closer to home. Petera then worked in the kiwifruit industry, covering most aspects of the sector, including managing auditing teams, and is now the Workforce Development and Cultural Officer for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. He holds a Diploma in Business Management and several certificates in training, facilitation, and counselling.
Otama Marere Trust – Petera has served as an Advisory Trustee for Otama Marere Trust since 2015, bringing strong governance, leadership, and a commitment to supporting the owners and beneficiaries of the whenua.
He is known for his honesty, decisiveness, and dedication to whānau and community. Petera is married with five children, all of whom have attended Otago University.
Petera was born and raised in Maketu and is the youngest of 19 children born to Winiata and Raukakawa Tapsell. He is of Te Arawa and Tainui descent, with links to Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, and Ngāti Raukawa.
After completing his education at Te Puke High School, Petera served nine years in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Following this, he worked in a variety of roles including Traffic Officer for the Ministry of Transport, restaurant management, Assistant Coordinator for the Te Māori Exhibition in Dunedin, and Probation Officer. He later became National Facilitator for the Corrections Department in Wellington before returning to the Bay of Plenty as a Probation Officer to be closer to home. Petera then worked in the kiwifruit industry, covering most aspects of the sector, including managing auditing teams, and is now the Workforce Development and Cultural Officer for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. He holds a Diploma in Business Management and several certificates in training, facilitation, and counselling.
Otama Marere Trust – Petera has served as an Advisory Trustee for Otama Marere Trust since 2015, bringing strong governance, leadership, and a commitment to supporting the owners and beneficiaries of the whenua.
He is known for his honesty, decisiveness, and dedication to whānau and community. Petera is married with five children, all of whom have attended Otago University.
AUBREY WILKINSON -
Aubrey Wilkinson was born in Te Puke in January 1962 and raised in Maketu. His whakapapa connects to Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Pūkenga ki Maketu on his mother’s side and Ngāti Hako on his father’s side.
Aubrey is in his fifth term as National President of the Rail & Maritime Transport Union, representing rail and port members across New Zealand. In this role, he chairs governance meetings, drives strategic direction, and oversees finances for the union and related funds. He also serves on the Council of Trade Unions National Affiliates Council and Runanga, as well as the International Transport Federation NZ Affiliates Committee.
Since 2016, Aubrey has been Chairman of the Tauranga Moana Fumigant Action Group, monitoring methyl bromide use in the Bay of Plenty, and provides leadership on a voluntary basis in multiple iwi and community initiatives.
Aubrey has also been an Advisory Trustee for Otama Marere since 2016, contributing strong leadership and governance alongside the other trustees.
In his spare time, he enjoys diving, fishing, family time, and working around his properties. Aubrey is known for his determination, honesty, reliability, and integrity, consistently providing high-level leadership and governance.
Aubrey Wilkinson was born in Te Puke in January 1962 and raised in Maketu. His whakapapa connects to Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Pūkenga ki Maketu on his mother’s side and Ngāti Hako on his father’s side.
Aubrey is in his fifth term as National President of the Rail & Maritime Transport Union, representing rail and port members across New Zealand. In this role, he chairs governance meetings, drives strategic direction, and oversees finances for the union and related funds. He also serves on the Council of Trade Unions National Affiliates Council and Runanga, as well as the International Transport Federation NZ Affiliates Committee.
Since 2016, Aubrey has been Chairman of the Tauranga Moana Fumigant Action Group, monitoring methyl bromide use in the Bay of Plenty, and provides leadership on a voluntary basis in multiple iwi and community initiatives.
Aubrey has also been an Advisory Trustee for Otama Marere since 2016, contributing strong leadership and governance alongside the other trustees.
In his spare time, he enjoys diving, fishing, family time, and working around his properties. Aubrey is known for his determination, honesty, reliability, and integrity, consistently providing high-level leadership and governance.
JADE CHALMERS-
Jade Chalmers is of Ngāti Whakaue descent, tracing her whakapapa through her father to her great-great-grandmother, Maria Tapsell (née Garlick). She grew up in Te Puke.
Jade holds a PhD in Education, researching rangatahi and the complexities of sexuality and education. She is currently a Teaching Fellow at the University of Waikato, where she teaches human development and education with a focus on critical and decolonising approaches that centre Māori perspectives.
Alongside her husband Sam, Jade owns a local arborist business, Eastern Tree Choppers, and she brings a diverse work background including teaching, horticulture, retail, and labouring roles in the kiwifruit industry.
Jade has served as an Advisory Trustee for Otama Marere Trust since 2015, contributing her strong leadership, ethical approach, and commitment to education and sustainability.
Jade Chalmers is of Ngāti Whakaue descent, tracing her whakapapa through her father to her great-great-grandmother, Maria Tapsell (née Garlick). She grew up in Te Puke.
Jade holds a PhD in Education, researching rangatahi and the complexities of sexuality and education. She is currently a Teaching Fellow at the University of Waikato, where she teaches human development and education with a focus on critical and decolonising approaches that centre Māori perspectives.
Alongside her husband Sam, Jade owns a local arborist business, Eastern Tree Choppers, and she brings a diverse work background including teaching, horticulture, retail, and labouring roles in the kiwifruit industry.
Jade has served as an Advisory Trustee for Otama Marere Trust since 2015, contributing her strong leadership, ethical approach, and commitment to education and sustainability.
JOHN KAMETA (TRUSTEE ELECT) -
John Kameta is a Trustee Elect for the Otama Marere Trust with experience in Māori land governance and the kiwifruit industry. He currently serves on several land governance boards, including Waitangi 3, Waiteti 2 Sec 1A2, Paengaroa A1 Sec 2, Paengaroa North B10A, Paengaroa North B4B North K, and Rotohokahoka D North 4D.
John has continued to strengthen his governance knowledge through iwi and hapū training programmes, as well as courses with the Institute of Directors.
With strong whakapapa connections and a commitment to protecting and growing the value of the whenua, John is passionate about working collectively to ensure a strong future for the Trust and its beneficiaries.
John Kameta is a Trustee Elect for the Otama Marere Trust with experience in Māori land governance and the kiwifruit industry. He currently serves on several land governance boards, including Waitangi 3, Waiteti 2 Sec 1A2, Paengaroa A1 Sec 2, Paengaroa North B10A, Paengaroa North B4B North K, and Rotohokahoka D North 4D.
John has continued to strengthen his governance knowledge through iwi and hapū training programmes, as well as courses with the Institute of Directors.
With strong whakapapa connections and a commitment to protecting and growing the value of the whenua, John is passionate about working collectively to ensure a strong future for the Trust and its beneficiaries.
