TRUSTEE POSITION

The role of the Trustees is to effectively represent and promote the interests of the Trust’s owners in alignment with the Trust’s key values and goals. 

The Trustees will direct and supervise the management of the business affairs of the Trust including in particular 

• Ensuring goals and strategies are established
• Establishing policies for strengthening the performance of the Trust
• Proactively seeking to improve business through innovation and technology
• Monitoring performance of management
• Ensuring the Trust adheres to a high standard of ethics
• Ensuring the Trust has appropriate risk management policies in place

Trustees Authority

Trust and Trustees actions are regulated by Trust Order authorised by Māori Land Court (MLC) under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993.

Trustee appointments recommended to MLC by beneficial owners from Annual General Meetings (AGM), MLC make final Trustee appointment decisions.

Current Trustees are legal owners of Te Awahōhonu Forest Trust’s land and all assets.

Trustees have all powers of a natural person, but the Trust Deed can specifically prohibit some powers and actions.

Trustee appointments continue until resignation, removal by MLC, not re-elected by AGM, bankruptcy, criminal conviction resulting in prison while still serving term, physical or mental infirmity, prolonged absence, failing to carry out duties.

Trust Purpose - “Meaningful benefits delivered to shareholders”

Trust Values 

WHAKAPONO - Honesty, integrity, transparency and trust

KAITIAKITANGA - Nurturing our Taonga whenua, Tikanga and people

WHANAUNGATANGA -Unity, connection, pride

TAUWHIROWHIRO - Excellence, innovation, enquiry, improvement, risk minimisation

IHI - Energy, drive, exploring potential

Time Committment

The Trustee is expected to attend the monthly board meeting which is typically held on the third Tuesday of every month from 3pm to 6pm. Preparation time for each meeting is an expectation so that board meetings can run smoothly. In person or via Zoom.

The Trustee will be required to sit on at least one subcommittee. These hold 2 to 3 meetings each per year. Meetings are typically 1 – 2 hours each, but on occasion can involve visits to the whenua for ½ or full days during the week.

Experience & Key Competencies Required

A Trustee should have previous Governance role experience. 

The Trust is particularly interested in candidates that have experience in Farming, Forestry, or Finance, however other skills can also add value to the board.

Remuneration

The Trustee will be remunerated with a meeting fee for preparation and attendance at Trust meetings, or for work carried out on behalf of the Trust.

Process for Appointment

An application form and resume must be submitted to the Trustees by the required date. Applications must be proposed and seconded by a registered Trust owner. Trustees are elected via a owner voting process with the successful candidate announced at the AGM.

Duration of Role

The Trustee role has a 5 year tenure, after which time re-election must occur.

Links: