Ko wai mātou | About Us
Ahuahu Group Limited (AGL) is the commercial investment arm of Te Nehenehenui, the Post-Settlement Governance Entity for Maniapoto, established following the signing of the Deed of Settlement with the Crown in November 2021. Mandated to protect and grow the pūtea for the benefit of present and future generations, AGL is the primary commercial vehicle of Maniapoto and its asset-holding company under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004.
Guided by Te Kawau Rukuroa — Te Nehenehenui’s long-term strategy – and the strategic pou of Whakaranea, AGL manages a diverse and growing portfolio spanning fisheries, forestry, land, investment property, and private markets. The Te Nehenehenui group holds total assets of approximately $256m, with AGL’s net asset base at $72.6m and an active investment programme underway.
Te āhua o te tūranga | The Opportunity
Following a board composition review, and with a refreshed board under new Chair leadership, AGL is seeking an Independent Director to strengthen its commercial governance capability at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory.
Three years into its five-year establishment programme, AGL is transitioning from foundation-building to active capital deployment and direct investment execution. The board requires a director who has operated at the sharp end of complex commercial transactions – one who can provide independent rigour, sound judgement, and meaningful scrutiny as AGL scales in both pace and ambition.
You will contribute to the governance of a portfolio increasing in complexity, sit alongside a board with deep iwi knowledge and Crown relationships, and play a substantive role in advancing long-term economic prosperity for Maniapoto.
Ngā tūāhuatanga o te tūranga | Key Responsibilities
- Provide independent commercial challenge and strategic direction in support of AGL’s Five-Year Strategic Plan
- Contribute to governance oversight of AGL’s diverse asset portfolio, including fisheries, forestry, land, and private markets
- Support disciplined capital deployment across acquisitions, transactions, and asset development
- Maintain focus on long-dated, intergenerational value creation in alignment with Te Kawau Rukuroa
Ngā wheako me ngā pūkenga | Experience & Expertise
AGL is open to candidates who bring a strong combination of the following, with M&A and senior commercial experience as the priority:
- Mergers & Acquisitions – Senior-level experience leading or advising on M&A transactions, with the ability to govern acquisition strategy, deal structuring, due diligence, and post-investment performance at board level.
- Senior Commercial Leadership – C-suite or equivalent experience, ideally in organisations where growth through acquisition or strategic transaction has been central to the business model.
- Property, Land & Asset Development – Exposure to property portfolios, land development pipelines, or significant asset bases, with familiarity with long-dated assets and intergenerational value creation.
- Digital & Technology – Sufficient board-level understanding of digital transformation and technology investment to provide meaningful scrutiny where required.
What will set candidates apart is a proven track record as an independent director or in an equivalent governance role, a strong reputation for integrity and constructive challenge, and genuine alignment with the long-term aspirations of Maniapoto.
Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply
This search is being managed by Hobson Leavy Executive Search. Apply via Seek, or a confidential conversation, please contact Rachelle Russell or Lucinda Beamish at beamish@hobsonleavy.com.
Applications should include a CV and cover letter outlining your relevant governance experience. We encourage applicants to speak to their understanding of, or connection to, the kaupapa of Maniapoto and Te Nehenehenui.
To apply via Seek, visit: https://nz.seek.com/job/91580128?ref=cm-ui
Applications close on Friday 8th May 2026 at 5pm
