Ngā hua o te tau - AGM 2023 Update

Changes in the leadership and governance of PKW over the past financial year were acknowledged, and a strategic reset heralded, at the PKW Hui-ā-Tau/Annual General Meeting held at Aotearoa Pā in November.

New Te Rau Matomato / Chief Executive, Aisha Ross, was welcomed by Board Chair Dion Tuuta, who also led a mihi to Warwick Tauwhare-George, who previously held the role, for his contribution to the organisation.

The newest member of Te Rau Manawanui / Executive Leadership Team, Jahron Neha, Te Rau Māhorahora / General Manager Finance and Investments, was also welcomed and acknowledged.

The newest member of Te Rau Manawanui / Executive Leadership Team, Jahron Neha, Te Rau Māhorahora / General Manager Finance and Investments, was also welcomed and acknowledged.

A tough year operationally with global issues, increasing regulatory demands, and a spiraling inflation rate pushing up costs was reflected in the financial report, presented by Aisha.

“While the business faced numerous challenges over the past financial year, there were still a significant number of highlights to celebrate, which included the launch of the Piki Mai Rawea app in May, an increase in the amount spent with Māori businesses in Taranaki and an inaugural Waka Ama event bringing kaimahi and Iwi together in a social context,” says Aisha.

“While, quite rightly, there were some challenging pātai from the floor with regards to the financial report, overall shareholders understood the challenging environment the organisation is working in and were supportive in acknowledging the mahi the PKW team had done over the year.”

“There was also a feeling of optimism for the future, with positive feedback for the introduction to the strategic reset Dion presented to the rōpū.”

Rautaki 2033 outlines the journey for PKW over the next 10 years, with a continued commitment to support the prosperity of Te Rau Titikura, their whānau and Taranaki Māori.

A defined purpose ‘To make positive contributions to the prosperity of our people, protect our whenua tūpuna, and build wealth that enriches future generations’ has been added to the long-standing PKW vision, mission and value set, and there is a greater focus on the further diversification of the portfolio with potential opportunity in the Food and Fibre, Property and Aged Care, Renewable Energy and Innovation and Technology sectors.

A detailed roadmap and roadshows across the motu will enable Rau Titikura to delve into the detail of the reset, and kōrero with Board and ELT members about the thinking and execution of this strategic plan. Please see article on page 15 for more information about Rautaki 2033.

The Te Rau Manawaora / PKW Trust AGM also took place, with Te Rau Toi Tauira / Chair Liana Poutu reiterating the strategic goals of community development, active participation and leadership and collaboration in her presentation.

An increased number of grants and scholarships (22 in total) to the value of $381k were awarded last year, with Tawhitinui Marae and Owae Marae receiving grants of $20k and $22K respectively. Kapa haka teams representing the Aotea rohe at Te Matatini also received a $5k grant each.

The Trust now has 21 scholarship partners, which includes all iwi of Taranaki.

Te Rau Matatoi / Charles Bailey Scholar Katrina Taylor was proud to present her research as she works towards a Masters in Indigenous Studies through Te Whare Wānanga o Te Awanuiārangi which explores the impact of pouarutanga.

The Te Rau Rengarenga / Committee of Management election results were announced with Dion Tuuta and Taari Nicholas re-elected, and former CoM member Tokatumoana Walden and new nominee Serena Fiso also welcomed on to the Board.

After the hui, a workforce development expo “He Raupatu, He Rautāpatu” of 20 suppliers and businesses was held to help shareholders and whānau explore potential career pathways, which was very well-received.