Mō Mātou
Neville Nepia
Lead Researcher, Waerenga Research Project - (Koro (Toto) to his cherished mokopuna)
Neville Nepia is the Lead Researcher for the Waerenga Research Project and has served on the Waerenga Incorporation Committee for 33 years.
In the mid-1990s, Neville was asked by the then Chairman, Pihopa Kingi, to undertake a comprehensive historical study of the Waerenga land block. The first stage of this work, covering the period 1884–1954, was completed in 1997–1998 and involved the careful examination of historical and archival records relating to Waerenga.
In 2025, the current Chairman, John Fenwick, asked Neville to undertake the second stage of the research, covering 1954–2026. This stage commenced in June 2026 and is scheduled for completion by June 2028.
A third stage is planned to commence in July 2028 and be completed by the end of 2029. Together, the three stages are intended to create a comprehensive historical record of Waerenga, connecting its earlier history with its development through to the present day.
Throughout the project, Neville's work focuses on careful primary-source analysis and the preservation of a continuous historical record for future generations.
Julia Nepia
Research Manager, Waerenga Research Project - (Nanny to her beautiful mokopuna)
Julia Nepia is the Research Manager for the Waerenga Research Project, responsible for strategic oversight and ensuring that the project remains aligned with its objectives, guidelines, milestones and cultural responsibilities.
Julia oversees the research framework and ensures that the Lead Researcher remains focused on the agreed research targets. The current stage, covering 1954–2026, is focused on documenting and analysing the history of Waerenga, including the lived experiences, decisions, leadership and intergenerational aspirations that have shaped the Incorporation.
She monitors progress against the project's milestones and oversees regular website updates to keep shareholders and the Committee of Management informed about the progress of the research.
Central to Julia's role is ensuring that the research remains grounded in its four guiding principles: whakapapa, anchoring the narrative in genealogical connections; kaitiakitanga, upholding the responsibility entrusted by hapū and whānau to manage, protect and represent their interests with integrity, accountability and long-term vision; whanaungatanga, strengthening relationships with marae, tūpuna and whānau and recognising that the story of Waerenga is inseparable from the collective identity of its people; and mana motuhake, affirming the right of Waerenga to define, hold and tell its own story while maintaining autonomy over its narratives, decisions and future direction.