Colleen Tuuta
Taranaki - Aotearoa

Colleen was born in the small coastal town of Opunake in the province of Taranaki, on the west coast of the North Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand.  As a NZ Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa-NZ, Colleen is affiliated to the following tribes: Taranaki Tuturu,  Ngati Mutunga, Te Atiawa, and Ngati Mahuta.  Colleen is also of Scottish, Irish descent and much, much more!

During the past 30 years Colleen has worked extensively in Community Development, Maori Business and Economic Development, and more recently in regional development.  Within these sectors Colleen has represented primarily women, families and Maori. She has been a past Trustee and Chair of the TSB Community Trust (1999 - 2011) and a Director of TSB Bank Limited.

She is also a trainer, facilitator, researcher, author,  a sister to 5 siblings, a Aunty, a Great Grand Aunty and Great Great Great Grand Aunty.

Colleen is currently:
• self employed business women of 18 years
• A Government appointed representative for NZ Women on the Public Advisory Council for the Legal Services Agency of the Ministry of Justice in NZ
• A Ministerial appointment to the Taranaki District Health Board
• Mahia Mai a Whai-Tara Trust – an A&D Health provider – a Trustee
• New Plymouth Girl’s High School – Board of Trustee
• Philanthropy NZ – Maori Advisory Committee member
• Inspiring Communities Trustee