Tūaropaki Holdings Independent Chair
Mō mātou | About us
Tūaropaki Trust is a Māori land trust in the wider Taupō area with assets worth approximately $1bn, mainly focussed on geothermal energy and agriculture. The Trust was established in 1952 when 297 Māori Owners decided to amalgamate their smaller landholdings into a single block. The Trust is based on whānau landowners, it is not an iwi entity, and it is not a Tiriti settlement group.
To strengthen commercial performance and increase value for owners, the Trust is creating Tūaropaki Holdings Limited (THL) to oversee its commercial assets within a Limited Partnership framework. Separating commercial activities from cultural governance is common across the Māori economy and introduces independent directors with specialised expertise to the commercial entity’s Board. This ensures strong oversight and accountability of assets, enabling the Trust Board to concentrate on cultural and social priorities.
Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role
THL is in the establishment phase and will be responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of investments that deliver sustainable returns for our Owners and Uri (descendants). The constitutionally required Independent Chair will lead THL’s governance board and ensure alignment with the Trust’s kaupapa and long-term vision.
Mōu | About you
As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the board to achieve strong commercial performance while upholding the cultural values of Tūaropaki and managing the relationship with the Trust who remain ultimately accountable to the Owners and Uri (descendants).
Key competencies include:
· Significant governance or executive experience in commercial organisations of a similar size or complexity as Tūaropaki;
· Significant experience working within te Ao Māori and can demonstrate an understanding of Tūaropaki values and how to uphold the values within decision-making;
Investment and portfolio management experience at a comparable scale to Tūaropaki’s $1bn asset base;
Experience in Māori-owned businesses in a governance or executive capacity;
Exceptional communication & stakeholder skills; and
Establishment board experience, and an understanding of change processes would be helpful.
This is an opportunity to influence the future of a significant Māori-owned enterprise, balancing commercial growth with kaitiakitanga. The successful candidate will bring credibility, integrity, and a commitment to advancing Tūaropaki’s aspirations for prosperity and sustainability.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Kerridge & Partners is supporting the appointment process for this role. To apply or express interest, please contact Sam Webster at sam.webster@kerridgepartners.com or call +64 9 969 9900. The advertisement will close on Friday 12 December at 17:00 NZT.