Welcoming Peter Lord: A New Chapter for Kā te Rama Switched On Group
5 June 2026
(L-R) Aaron Smith, Jono Brent, Rachel Gordon, Joseph Tyro, B de Zwart, Hohepa Potini, Jennie Smeaton, Christian Smith, Helen Lord, Lee Gardiner, Chris Pile, Peter Lord, Regan Kupu Stokes, Paul Rogers, Sue Hughes, Victoria Carter
On Tuesday 2 June, our Kā te Rama Switched On whānau came together in Ōtautahi to formally welcome our incoming Group CEO Peter Lord with a mihi whakatau.
Kaimahi and leaders gathered alongside Interim Switched On CEO Aaron Smith, outgoing PAE NZ CEO Chris Pile, Founder Sue Hughes, and Board members Victoria Carter, Jennie Smeaton (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga), Paul Rogers (Ngāti Porou ki Hauraki), and Jono Brent. Peter was joined by his wife Helen, along with Regan Kupu Stokes (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ingarangi) and Citycare Property Acting CEO Lee Gardiner as part of his rōpū.
The ceremony began with an opening mihi from Joseph Tyro (Ngāi Tahu, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and a waiata tautoko sung by the whole group. Regan Kupu Stokes then responded on Peter’s behalf, acknowledging the welcome and the significance of the occasion.
Hongi were shared to mark the coming together of people and the beginning of new relationships and in accordance with the tikanga, Peter was handed over from his old organisation Citycare Property, by Lee Gardiner. Board Chair Paul Rogers addressed the group, formally extending welcome to Peter, who then spoke himself sharing his strong connection to the values of Kā te Rama Switched On Group and his excitement for the journey ahead.
The mihi whakatau was brought to a close with a mihi and karakia kai from Hohepa Potini (Ngāti Toa) before everyone came together to share kai and whakawhanaungatanga.
This was a very special occasion for our Group to come together, welcome Peter properly, and set a strong foundation for the next chapter ahead.
Nau mai, haere mai, Peter, we’re proud to have you with us.
