Celebrating 50 Years with Ingrid Collins

In 1974, Ingrid Collins was thrust into the world of Māori Governance when she was first nominated by her Māmā, and Uncles to sit alongside them on the Board of Whāngārā B5 for the very first time. Ingrid was a rangatahi at the age of twenty seven with the world at her feet, and with a task ahead of her that many young, wahine Māori would be intimidated by. Fifty years on, Ingrid’s leadership, bravery and tenacity have rippled throughout te ao Māori, creating successful pathways and outcomes for our people and inspiring generations of wāhine, rangatahi and peers of her own across multiple sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ingrid is a visionary who has sought to work collaboratively and collectively with all to find a shared sense of mission, earning the respect, confidence and loyalty of her hapu, iwi and wider community and networks. For those of us closer to home, we have been privy to the sacrifices made, and appreciative of the nurture and aroha that Ingrid has provided us all.

Whāngārā Farms Partnership are honoured to celebrate this momentous occasion of Aunty ‘Googie’s’ who celebrates 50 years on the B5 Board this year. We look forward to sharing the heartfelt whakaaro and memories of Ingrid and her peers in the coming weeks.

Congratulations, Aunty Ingrid!