With the loss of the Te Tatau Koeke representative, Whetu Whata, Te Pukenga Koeke o Te Arawa, at a meeting held at Kahumatamomoe Marae on Friday 2 December 2016 agreed to recommend that Dr Ken Kennedy be their Kaumatua representative on Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board.

In accordance with the Trust Deed, Te Tatau o Te Arawa at the 9 December meeting confirmed the appointment of Dr Ken Kennedy.