6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Atihau Whanganui Inc. Leadership change and a strategic reset The organisation also continues to invest in environmental work across its landholdings, including pasture management, waterways, tree planting and retiring areas of native bush. Russell Fredric A period of leadership change and strategic reset is shaping the future direction of Atihau Whanganui Incorporation, one of New Zealand’s largest Maori agribusinesses. The incorporation is currently in a period of transition, with both a new chairman, Shar Armer, and new chief executive, John Tahere, appointed within a short timeframe. “We’re resetting the business and the company focus,” Shar says. “We had mediocre results for three or four years and it’s slowly shifting the company around. We want to return it back to being seen as a leader again and bring back that positive profile.” The incorporation has been operating for more than 50 years and today is responsible for about 44,000 hectares of land across multiple stations, with total assets of around $330 million and approximately 70 staff across farming and corporate operations. Because of its structure as a Maori incorporation, the business operates differently from a typical farming company, balancing commercial performance with responsibilities to shareholders, land, environment, and future generations. “We provide to our shareholders through dividends, and we also have a large charitable trust aspect with social investment, including tertiary education support, marae and kaumatua health. So we have the social side that we have to be very cognisant of, as well as the environmental and commercial sides.” To create clearer direction across the organisation, the incorporation recently reduced its strategic priorities from seven down to three, allowing staff and management to focus more clearly on the core areas of the business. Farm performance is the first priority, reflecting the importance of on-farm productivity as the engine of the business. The second priority TRC Toyota Whanganui For all your motoring needs we are here to look after you and your vehicle - from an extensive range of New Toyota Vehicles, great Used vehicles, finance & insurance tailored for you, Toyota parts and Toyota accessories to make your vehicle look awesome, Servicing including tyres, windscreen repairs and replacement and so much more. Always happy to see you and your vehicle. 06 348 8850 221 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4500 www.manawatutoyota.co.nz 100 Seddon St, Raetihi | Ph 06 385 4611 Fax 06 385 4856 clinic@ruapehuvetservices.co.nz Proud to Supply Atihau – Whanganui Incorporation Veterinary Service and Product
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