BY EDDIE H HUITARAU
The Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB) has elected a new executive team during its Triannual General Meeting held at Ahetaha Conservation Village in Manawai Harbour, East Are’Are. The meeting brought together 26 active conservation members and a total of 64 participants who witnessed the election process.
Dr. Edgar Pollard, Chief Executive Officer of the Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI) and outgoing MMGB Coordinator, oversaw the election. Members chose a new team to lead the organization for the next three years. The newly elected executives are: Edward Haikau Huitarau (Chairman), Donation Tanimauri (Vice Chairman), Andrew Taraha (Secretary), and Felix Naitoro (Treasurer). The three executive members elected are Susan To’oha, Godfrey Wilikai, and Jovi Totorea.
In his farewell speech, outgoing Chairman Max Totorea praised the new executive for stepping up to serve. He thanked the members who voted and reminded everyone of the importance of preparing for a smooth transition. Totorea asked the new executive to allow the outgoing team time to organize key documents before fully handing over their duties.
He encouraged the new leaders to remain positive even when faced with difficult tasks. “Embrace the challenges as sources of motivation and progress,” Totorea said. “I anticipate that you will carry the weight of great responsibility as you lead the organization over the next three years. Let these challenges pave the way for the advancement of our community.”
Totorea also expressed his appreciation to the members for supporting his team over the past three years. He said the outgoing executive is ready to help the new leaders whenever needed.
In his first speech as Chairman, Edward Haikau Huitarau acknowledged the strong foundation built by the previous executive. “I will not attempt to replicate Max Totorea, but I will learn from him, follow in his footsteps, and seek his advice,” he said.
Huitarau served as Totorea’s Vice Chairman for two terms in 2019 and 2022 before resigning in 2023. He admitted that leading MMGB will not be easy, but he is ready to take on the responsibility with the support of his team. He believes the new executive can achieve even greater results by working closely together.
“There will be no unilateral decisions made. Decisions will always be made collectively,” Huitarau added, expressing confidence that both the new and former executives will work hand in hand for the good of MMGB.
Source: Mai-Maasina Green Belt (MMGB)
