TREVOR MAXWELL CNZM
Ngāti Rangiwewehi
Representing the interests of Māori performing arts, Trevor Maxwell is a founding settlor and original board member of Toi Māori Aotearoa, having served the organisation continuously since 1996.
Working under the leadership of founding Chair Hirini Moko Mead, Trevor was Deputy to Waana Davis from 2002 until her passing in 2019, after which he was elected to that position. Trevor has also supported all three General Managers of Toi Māori Aotearoa, Eric Tamepo, Garry Nicholas and Tamahou Temara. A skilled and experienced diplomat, Trevor travels widely—nationally and internationally, to support and promote Māori artists and art forms.
Well-qualified for the role of Trustee and Chair, Trevor is a long-standing Rotorua Lakes Councillor, first elected in 1977 and serving as Deputy Mayor from 2002-2013. Chair of Te Arawa Kapa Haka and Opera in the Pā committee, Trevor is also former Kaupapa Māori Director for Tourism New Zealand and a life member of Te Matatini.
In October 2022, Trevor made history when he was re-elected as a Rotorua Lakes district councillor, becoming the longest-serving elected representative in New Zealand, and on 31 December 2022, Trevor was made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to Māori and local government.
As an advocate for Toi Māori Aotearoa across government and through our national and international networks, Trevor ensures Toi Māori Aotearoa is recognised across te iwi Māori and the arts and cultural sector.