Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) congratulates its Independent Director Bayden Barber who has been elected as the new chair of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.
Ngāti Kahungunu is the third largest iwi covering a large section of the Eastern North Island from Wairoa to Wairarapa.
B+LNZ Chairman Andrew Morrison congratulates Bayden. He says, “this prestigious position reflects Bayden’s deep connections and understanding of Māori which continues to be a great asset for the industry.”
“Bayden has contributed significantly to our leadership and decision making around Māori agribusiness and we look forward to continuing to work with him to strengthen our commitment to Māori sheep and beef farmers. Personally, it is the deep wisdom that Bayden brings to the table that I find invaluable.”
B+LNZ’s Māori Agribusiness Advisor Charles Taituha says the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate where Ngāti Kahungunu is situated has a high percentage of Māori freehold land ownership.
“Having our director hold an integral position with the iwi gives us an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities that Māori landowners are facing within the rohe.”
B+LNZ also pays our respect to the previous chair, Ngahiwi Tomoana, who is the longest-serving chair of an iwi. Ngahiwi dedicated 26 years to Ngāti Kahungunu – a significant achievement.
As well as farming Angus cattle on a 100-acre block in Waimārama (Hawke’s Bay), Bayden holds several governance roles. He is a second-term Hastings District councillor and is chairman of Waimārama Section 3 Block 2 Trust, which consists of forestry and dry stock farming.
Bayden is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, sits on the board of Te Taura Whiri o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) and is a Trustee on the Māori Education Trust, representing the New Zealand Māori Council. He is also a Trustee of the Tiakitai Estate, which is leased to Horizon Farms.