New Maori manager at Fonterra

Lawyer and company director Tiaki Hunia is the new Maori face of Fonterra.

Hunia’s senior leadership role - likely to come with a $500,000 plus salary - is the newly created one of general manager, Maori strategy/ pouhere Maori.

Less than two months ago Hunia began a new job with Te Puni Kokiri as the director of the Maori Land Service, which aimed to make major changes to the governance and administration of the 27,000 titles of Maori land.

At the time NZ First leader Winston Peters criticised his appointment for the fact it was not publicly advertised.

A Fonterra spokesman said he was unable to say why Hunia moved on so rapidly from his last job.

‘‘We’re excited to welcome Tiaki on board,’’ he said.

Te Puni Kokiri was approached for comment but did not respond before publication.

The dairy giant’s managing director, people and culture, Joanne Fair, said Hunia would play a ‘‘vital role in continuing to progress our strategic Maori commitments and strengthen Fonterra’s bicultural capability’’.

Prior to Te Puni Kokiri, Hunia worked for five years as deputy Maori trustee, Te Tumu Paeroa.

He’s also been involved in numerous governance roles with iwi and industry organisations over the last 10 years, including Ngati Awa Group Holdings Ltd, Maori Investments Ltd and Putauaki Trust.

Hunia has a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Maori from the University of Auckland.

He has previously been admitted as a solicitor of the High Court and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

He will start work at Fonterra as a senior leader on August 7.