Mō Mātou
Meet the Governance Team
Panapa Ehau
Co-Founder, Chair
Ngāti Uepohatu, Ngāti Porou
Panapa Ehau co-founder and former Executive Manager has moved to concentrate his efforts on governance and strategic direction of the organisation as the Chair of Kaenga Hou Trust. Under his visionary leadership, Kaenga Hou has established itself as a beacon for whānau aspiring to be home owners. Panapa has a focus on social enterprises and creating local resilience. Panapa is a co-founder of numerous social enterprises and charitable organisations ranging across biotech, education, waste, housing, entrepreneurship, kai provision and native revegetation. Panapa currently holds board positions on Rua Bioscience, Hikurangi Enterprises, Hikurangi Bioactives, Tairāwhiti Kanuka and Hikurangi Huataukina Trust.
Ngapera Riley
Co-Founder, Trustee
Ngāti Te Roro-o-te-rangi, Ngāti Whakaue
Ngapera co-founder and trustee is passionate about helping New Zealand progress as a Nation through the use of data and understanding information that can influence good decision making by our citizens, businesses and political leaders.
She is fascinated by the future and about supporting innovations and developments that positively impact our world.
Ngapera works closely with Māori business and education efforts across New Zealand. She is CEO of Figure.NZ and currently holds board positions with Tatau Consultants, InZone Education Foundation, Hyundai’s Pinnacle Programme, Simplicity Foundation and Te Ohu Whai Ao Trust, which connects indigenous business efforts from around the world.
Paul Gilberd
Trustee
Paul is a strategic thinker and accomplished business development professional. His experience lies in relationship management and communications with significant international experience in the public and private sectors.
Paul’s work in management and governance has been focused in the service sector within finance, housing, health, education, technology and hospitality. His expertise lies in developing relationships, creating and implementing strategic plans, building trust, helping establish business partnerships and developing new opportunities. Paul is driven by a strong desire to see greater equity and improved social justice through the profession of affordable housing. He is the CEO of Community Housing Aotearoa and currently holds board positions with the Auckland City Mission, Auckland City Mission Housing and ACM Foundation.
Mō Mātou
Meet Management
Jen Deben
Chief Executive Officer
Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi
Jen brings a wealth of expertise spanning banking, commercial property, government policy, regulatory frameworks, and housing advocacy. As part of the advisory design team for the $400 million progressive home ownership fund, she worked closely with the sector to build capacity and improve funding access for Māori entities. Now leading Kaenga Hou, Jen applies her strategic vision and financial expertise to open doors for whānau, foster innovative pathways to home ownership, and deliver sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and empower future generations.