Our Board
The Indigenous Touch World Cup is managed entirely by the WAI [We Are Indigenous] Charitable Trust, a non-for-profit based in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
We are proud to share our directors who are committed to ensuring this special event is a success for all involved.
Patt Spellman
Chairperson
Patariki Spellman is an experienced broadcaster and marketer with a strong background in both media and sport. After nearly a decade in radio, he transitioned into marketing, building a successful career with national roles at RSM New Zealand and Touch New Zealand.
He is the founder of the Pacific Cup Touch Tournament. Patariki currently serves as a Director for Māori Touch NZ and Counties Manukau Rugby League, and has previously held governance roles with Diabetes Foundation NZ and Counties Manukau Touch. He is deeply passionate about advancing the rights and opportunities of indigenous peoples, especially Māori and Pasifika communities.
Were Maiva
Director
Were Maiava is a respected tikanga Māori expert based in South Auckland, currently working with Mā Te Huruhuru. Deeply immersed in Te Ao Māori, Were brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and lived experience to his mahi.
He serves as a Trustee on the Board of Manurewa Marae and has previously contributed to organisations such as Healthy Families South Auckland and Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children. Were is a passionate advocate for kaupapa that uplift tamariki and rangatahi, especially within Manurewa and the wider South Auckland community.
Tarsh Poching-Ieremia
Director
Tarsh Poching-Ieremia is a proud NZ-born Samoan, a former professional athlete, and an award-winning broadcaster with over 15 years in the radio industry. She has represented both Samoa and New Zealand in Rugby Sevens and remains deeply connected to the world of sport — especially through the achievements of her four talented children.
Tarsh is currently the Programme Director at Pacific Media Network and has previously worked across major media platforms including NZME and MediaWorks. Her passion for community and sport has also seen her serve in key roles with Auckland Rugby League and CLM Community Sport.
She is an Appointed Director for the American Football Federation of New Zealand and Pacific Cup Touch. A fierce advocate for women and girls in sport, Tarsh uses her platform to champion indigenous voices and celebrate the success of Māori and Pasifika communities.
Harley Wall
Director
Harley Wall is a seasoned sports administrator and event management professional, currently serving as the NZ Team Operations Manager at the New Zealand Olympic Committee. With a strong background in national and regional sport, Harley has held pivotal roles across organisations such as Touch New Zealand, New Zealand Rugby League, Aktive, and the Rugby League World Cup.
He began his journey in Touch New Zealand as the Tamaki Makaurau Regional Development Manager, before stepping into the role of National Events Manager. A dedicated Level 4 touch referee with over a decade of experience, Harley has officiated at every level of the game, including the Touch World Cup.
Harley contributes to the sporting community through governance roles, serving as a Board Director for Touch New Zealand, Director for Māori Touch NZ, Trustee for Pacific Cup Touch, and Referee Director for Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League. With whakapapa to Taranaki, Harley is passionate about using sport, play, and culture to make a meaningful impact in communities across Aotearoa.
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Keep following to meet some of our operations team members, all working hard to ensure 2027 is a movie!🤝
