Ben Appleton

Ben says he has been working his way around his whānau to ensure they are all signed up for Whai Rawa. “I want to make sure they all know about Whai Rawa and can get its benefits,” says Ben.

“I think the programme is awesome. Helping people towards their education, housing and retirement really helps to set you up in life,” he says. “I regularly put money into my account and am hoping my Whai Rawa account will help me to buy a house when I get back to New Zealand,” says Ben.

Ben says that he won’t stop contributing after that though, as he recognises the importance of saving for retirement.

Ben has had an interesting and varied career he studied a Bachelor of Arts and Victoria University and then took up a job in Parliament as the Executive Assistant to the Honourable Shane Jones – the now Minister of Forestry, Infrastructure and Regional Economic Development.

Ben also plays an active role as the Secretary of Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club who aim to provide New Zealanders residing in the United Kingdom and others interested in Māori culture an environment to teach, learn and participate in Māori culture. If you follow their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ngatiranana/) you will no doubt see some of Ben’s work.

Ben plans to get some more work experience in London and then return to New Zealand. The Whai Rawa team have no doubt he will have a great career ahead of him when he returns.