Aimee Kaio has been appointed a trustee of Community Trust South with effect from 31 October 2022.

A born and bred Southlander, Kaio is part of the Ngāi Tahu Regional Investment Team, working with Papatipu Runaka of Ngāi Tahu to support their investment and intergenerational wealth aspirations.

Her career has predominantly been in hapū, iwi and regional development.

Kaio is an active member of Awarua Rūnaka and of Murihiku Regeneration and holds a number of governance roles including Kahui Māori for Deep South Challenge and the Antarctic Science Platform, a Board member of EAT NZ, Board member of COIN South and Co-Chair of Southland Just Transition.

Kaio has a passion for social impact, climate action and entrepreneurship, where she mentors rangatahi and startups in these spaces.

‘I am passionate about Murihiku/Southland, I look forward to contributing to the vision of enabling our Southern region to thrive,” she said.

Community Trust South Board Heamana/Chair Bill Moran said he was looking forward to welcoming Kaio onto the board and she would bring an excellent blend of community knowledge, understanding and experience to the Trust.

Kaio's appointment is for an initial term ending in June 2026.

The 8 current Community Trust South trustees are: 

Bill Moran – Heamana/Chair

Kirsty Pickett – Heamana Tuarua/Deputy Chair

Stephen Canny

David Goble

Louise Fowler

Melanie Montgomery

Leanne Samuel

Leon Hartnett

Trustee appointments are made by the Minister of Finance, after receiving nominations from the Trust and from a range of other organisations and individuals within the Trust’s region.