NZ Honorary Advisers
Josh Wharehinga
Josh describes himself as ‘first and foremost, a father’ to his six young adults.
Born and raised in Gisborne, his upbringing was typically ‘gang related’, which he attributes to helping shape his worldview, how he approaches being a dad and his drive to do the work he does in the community.
Through education, driving community initiatives or building relationships, Josh has always gravitated towards growing people and communities.
His current experience, training and knowledge is in governance — a place he can continue to grow his Tairawhiti and Aotearoa communities.
He is a three-term elected councillor and is currently the Deputy Mayor of the Gisborne District, the first Maori Deputy Mayor of the region.
His current governance roles include the Deputy Chair of the District Health Board, Chair for the All-Of-Health-Systems committee, and board memberships for VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, CORE Education Trust, Gisborne Holdings Ltd and the Gisborne District Sister Cities.
Josh has formerly held positions on Te Mana Whakahaere – the board for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Maruata Roopu Whakahaere – the Māori advisory board to Local Government New Zealand, and the Audit and Risk committee of Local Government New Zealand.
Josh says has a lot of affection for the Asia New Zealand Foundation. He is a member of the Foundation's Leadership Network, a programme where he was able to help build relationships and grow an even larger international community.
"I am honoured to be our first Network Member to become an Honorary Adviser and am looking forward to contributing in this role."