ROBERT GABEL
Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Paatu
Long-serving Chairman of Ngā Waka Federation and organiser of the annual Waitangi Waka Pageant Commemoration since 1995, Robert Gabel was elected as a Toi Māori Aotearoa Trustee in 2009. He holds the position of Audit and Risk Committee Chair, Director of Toi Māori Limited and plays a central role in developing and maintaining the relationship between Māori and the Dutch through Te Hono ki Aotearoa and the practices of waka.
A Chartered Accountant, Robert is a well-experienced Governor, serving as Chairman of Ngā Waka o Te Tai Tokerau, Trustee for Ngāti Hine Health Trust and Tai Tokerau Māori Trust Board, and a Council Member on the Board of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
As a leader, Robert brings his experiences as kairururangi and kaitiaki for the waka taua, Ngātokimatawhaorua and Te Hono ki Aotearoa , and kaihautu for Whakaangi and te Taki o Autahi to his voluntary work for Toi Māori Aotearoa—leading the crew by example both off and on the water, considering all relevant factors and making the correct decision accordingly.