Business Owner 1997-2023

Karl owned and operated Kitchens Direct in South Canterbury 1997-2023. A Timaru local and trained joiner, Karl has many years’ experience in the industry as both a craftsman, kitchen designer and a business owner. He led a growing team of expert kitchen professionals, and was proud to partner with other local businesses and tradespeople to provide an end-to-end kitchen build service. Over the last 25 years, Karl has trained apprentices and tradespeople as joiners, many of whom have gone on to run their own businesses. In 2021 he launched is new kitchen franchise. The company was voluntarily liquidated October 2023. This proactive approach, guided by the understanding of when to cease operations to prevent accumulating insurmountable debt, allowed for timely adjustments and facilitated the pursuit of new opportunities.

"To succeed in business, it's crucial to possess skills such as financial literacy, market analysis, adaptability, and strategic planning. Recognizing when to exit a business is also vital, requiring a combination of financial acumen, market awareness, and emotional intelligence to make informed decisions about when to move on. While the journey may have extended beyond initial expectations, I'm looking forward to finalizing the liquidation process in the coming weeks to ensure the welfare of remaining creditors and keeping the promise that I personally made to them."

Advocate for Māori Health

Past Māori Health Advisor. Chair - Board Member 2021 - 2023
He was appointed Board member (by the Minister of Health) for South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB). He chaired the Māori Health Advisory Committee for the SCDHB. This Committee ensured a focused lens on the health and equity outcomes for the Māori within the community of South Canterbury. 

Māori Health Advisory Committee. Chair - Board Member 2021 - 2023
Part of a network of iwi-Māori partnership boards that feed into the Māori Health Authority to help understand what was needed at a locality level. It was established to help make sure that the way the health system operates in both the Māori Health Authority and Health NZ worked together. The Māori Health Authority helped create a health system which is more equitable for Māori. 

Despite the government's disestablishment of Hospital Governance Boards across New Zealand in 2023, Karl continues to advocate and support establishing community connections with health professionals and the South Canterbury community, focusing on improving health outcomes for the local Māori community.

Advocate for Māori Business, Economy, & Tourism

Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu Board Governance.
He has been involved in Māori business development and Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu Board Governance for the last 15 years.

Past member on Venture Timaru Board. Appointed April 2021-2023.
Timaru District’s economic and tourism agency and Karl was part of a team that is passionate about this region and we're committed to working with individuals, businesses and industry sectors to grow the profile and well-being of this great district. 

Advocate for Māori Culture

Committee Member. Te Aitarakihi Multi Cultural Centre. Currently serving on the board as a volunteer, and is the board chair. He joined the committee in 2010 when the project commenced focusing on the building and developments of the proposed centre. His involvement supports the relationship between Mata Waka Māori and Mana Whenua.

Committee Member. He Manu Hou. Since 2017. (Bilingual Chair 2017-2023). 
He was chairperson for the He Manu Hou Bilingual early childhood ECE Trust.
He Manu Hou, was the region's first bilingual teacher-led learning centre and welcome whānau of all cultures to be a part of the centre. The centre in Timaru was established as a place for all cultures, “Te Wāhi Karanga Mo Nga Iwi Katoa”.  A gathering place for all cultures, all people, all communities, Māori and Pākehā, Polynesian and Melanesian, all cultures.  A place to embrace the land.  A place to be nurtured by the land.  A place for hui whakangahau, a place for tangi, a place to take our sadness and our celebrations.  It is a place for our children, for Rangatahi to stand tall, to be aware of their roots and heritage. Once the centre was constructed, Karl stepped back from the role of chair of the Trust. 

Craighead Diocesan School Māori Liaison Officer. As a proud Ngai Tahu iwi member Karl is passionate about Māori culture, music and language. In his down time you might find him teaching Kapa Haka and giving guidance on anything Māori related. "I am proud to support Craighead leaders, educators and students to include Māori culture in their all-girls private school. The inclusion helps to respect the country's heritage, empower Māori students, and enrich everyone's education. Having a Māori person guide this inclusion ensures authenticity, strengthens community ties, and promotes cultural understanding."