Roana Bennett is an experienced governance leader and strategic manager with more than 30 years' experience working across iwi, community and economic development. She has led a wide range of initiatives focused on strengthening whānau, hapū and iwi capability, building enduring partnerships, and delivering practical, long-term outcomes.

Roana has extensive experience in climate adaptation, environmental restoration and Māori-led development. In her role facilitating the Maketū Climate Adaptation Plan, she has helped advance collaborative approaches to climate resilience, catchment restoration and sustainable economic development that integrate mātauranga Māori with contemporary planning.

She currently serves on several governance boards and continues to work for iwi in a variety of roles. Roana brings a practical, relationship-focused approach to leadership, with particular strengths in strategy, facilitation and turning vision into action.