Former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley has been appointed as the new chair of the Waitangi National Trust. The Trust, which manages the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, confirmed the leadership transition this week. Dame Jenny replaces Tania Simpson, who stepped down after reaching the nine-year tenure limit for board members.
Why the appointment is significant
The appointment comes as the Waitangi National Trust prepares for the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Chief executive Ben Dalton stated that Dame Jenny was selected for her extensive governance experience and her understanding of New Zealand’s history and identity. Her background includes serving as the nation’s first female Prime Minister from 1997 to 1999 and chairing the 2019 Tuia 250 events. According to Dalton, the move reflects a commitment to “strong nation-level governance” to ensure the Treaty Grounds remain accessible to both local and international visitors.
Governance and the transition of power
The transition marks a change in leadership following a short tenure for the outgoing chair, Tania Simpson. Simpson was appointed in July last year as the first female chair of the Trust, succeeding iwi leader Pita Tipene. Her departure was dictated by a strict nine-year cumulative service limit for board members, a policy that governs the stewardship of the estate. The Trust is responsible for the site gifted to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932, which includes the Treaty House, museums, and recreational facilities.
What may happen next for the Trust
Under Dame Jenny’s leadership, the Trust is expected to continue its focus on balancing the protection of the site’s legacy with its role as a tourism destination. As a resident of nearby Kororāreka-Russell, Dame Jenny has expressed an intent to collaborate with trustees, mana whenua, and the wider Waitangi community to support the site’s future. Observers may expect the Trust to ramp up planning for the upcoming bicentenary, as the organization seeks to maintain the grounds as a place for national reflection while managing diverse assets, ranging from golf courses to historical museums.
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