Karen was born and raised in Rotorua. She is proud of her Ngāti Pikiao descent through her kuia, Nanny Teira Samuels (nee Hunuhunu). Karen is also of Tainui (Ngāti Koroki), Ngāti Porou (Te Whanau a Takimoana) and Te Whakatohea (Ngāti Ruatakenga) descent. She has two sons Kakuere and Iharaira and one daughter Miracle.
She lived in Perth for 11 years, with 7 years of commitment working hard for a corporate business within the building construction industry from various roles of administration, client liaising and co-ordinating of multiple projects. A desire of Karen’s was to one day return home with the skills and international knowledge she had gained to work just as hard for her own people.
Karen returned home to Rotorua in 2014 to raise her 3 tamariki connecting them with their Māori heritage through their Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Whakaue whakapapa.
In February 2020 Karen was appointed the new Executive Administrator of Rotoiti 15 Trust after spending four years of progressing skills and knowledge through assisting Maori Land Trusts and Incorporations with Deloitte Rotorua. She has a background in administration, customer service and project co-ordinator. She is very approachable and takes care of the day to day functions of Rotoiti 15 Trust.
As a proud beneficiary of Rotoiti 15 Trust, Karen is committed in her role with assisting in the development of our people and providing opportunities for the future generations.
