RENEE SMITH-APANUI, MInstD

Renee Smith-Apanui (Waikato, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is a senior executive, governor, and strategic leader with extensive experience across the public, iwi, and community sectors. She is Kaihautū Capability, Monitoring and Assurance at the Department of Conservation, where she leads work to strengthen organisational capability, performance, and Treaty partnership.

Renee serves on the Board of Toi Tangata and is a Future Director with Waikato-Tainui. She has significant experience working at the intersection of governance, te ao Māori, strategy, and organisational stewardship, including leading initiatives that embed Te Tiriti commitments and strengthen relationships between organisations and the communities they serve.

Passionate about intergenerational leadership, capability development, and enduring outcomes, Renee brings  practical perspective and experience on how boards can navigate diverse stakeholder expectations while maintaining strategic clarity, accountability, and long-term value creation.