New directors added to board

Nga¯ti Wha¯tua O¯ra¯kei has welcomed two directors to the board of the commercial arm of the hapu¯ , Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua O¯ ra¯ kei Whai Rawa.

The Nga¯ti Wha¯tua O¯ra¯kei Trust has appointed property development and construction veteran Chris Gudgeon and experienced business executive and director Jim Quinn to its subsidiary, the Nga¯ti Wha¯tua O¯ ra¯kei Whai Rawa board.

Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua O¯ ra¯ kei Whai Rawa is one of the largest landowners in Ta¯ maki Makaurau with a $1.3 billion commercial portfolio. The organisation is charged with managing and growing its revenue streams to deliver strong returns for the benefit of its hapu¯ and the board is chaired by one of New Zealand’s most respected directors, Michael Stiassny.

Chris Gudgeon is the former Chief Executive of Kiwi Property Group and Capital Properties NZ with more than 30 years’ experience in the property, development and construction sector. A current director of Crown Infrastructure Partners and Argosy Property, his extensive experience includes his past role as President of Property Council New Zealand.

Chris said the appointment fulfils a longstanding desire to be involved in one of the fastest growing areas of the property sector, iwi owned and developed land.

‘‘I look forward to working with Nga¯ti Wha¯tua O¯ ra¯kei to grow their property portfolio and achieve their investment objectives. The portfolio’s unique position within the strongly performing Tamaki Makaurau property market offers exciting opportunities.’’

Jim Quinn provides a wider business lens, bringing with him significant knowledge on governance as current chair of Payments New Zealand, ComplyPro and SmartCo as well as other director roles. His executive career included being the inaugural CEO of KiwiRail, Chief of Strategy at Auckland Council, and CEO of Express Couriers.

Jim says he is looking forward to using his experience to help grow the commercial strength of Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua O¯ ra¯ kei.

The Trust Board Chair Marama Royal said the appointment of independent directors was led by the Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua O¯ ra¯ kei Trust to help protect the assets of the hapu¯ as well as to support a longer-term strategy for broader and more diversified portfolio and revenue streams.

‘‘We are pleased to bring Chris Gudgeon and Jim Quinn on board whose combined skillset will be instrumental to the growth of our commercial strength.