Strengthening the decision-making process

The committee of management is a group of highly skilled members. However, not all knowledge is captured within this group. For this reason, there is this strategy to seek out people with knowledge and experience in areas that strengthen the decision making.

“All our associates, past and present, have provided significant contributions. In turn, we have become more aware of the expertise that would further assist us in other areas,” says Chair Mavis Mullins.

Candidates wishing to join the Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation governance team will need to offer specific skills and knowledge to strengthen the decision-making process.

“The scope required of governance boards has increased significantly over the past decade,” explains Chair Mavis Mullins. “The committee of management is a group of highly skilled members, but we have identified areas where we need more input.

“In order to function as a business, we have the responsibility to understand and comply with a wide range of legislation, whether it be Te Ture Whenua Māori Land Act, the Companies Act or the Financial Securities Act (to name just a few). Even within our farming activities there is the Health & Safety in the Workplace Act, Environmental Protection Act, the Biosecurity Act and Employment Law that guide and direct our actions and activities. It is so much more than just farming.”

While the incorporation is supported by experts who bring their skills and experience to the farm and environment committee, audit and risk committee, hunting committee and Te Āti Hau Trust in the shape of independent directors, the associate director scheme is another avenue via which needed skills can be brought to the table.

“All our associates, past and present, have provided significant contributions. In turn, we have become more aware of the expertise that would further assist us,” says Mavis.

The Associate Director scheme has been in place now since 2014. This programme was launched initially to give up-and-coming future leaders the opportunity to gain experience of the nuts and bolts of governance in a safe whānau environment.

It has proved to be very successful, with candidates not only gaining invaluable experience of the governance process, but also bringing their own perspectives, providing a different viewpoint or the benefit of specific skills or knowledge.

“We have had some outstanding Associate, and Independent Directors over the years, and we want to ensure that we make the most of what the programme can deliver for them and the organisation,” says Mavis.

“To do this we intend to be specific about the skills and knowledge not currently held within the current board members and highlight these when we call for applications.

“We also want to be clear pre-AGM what those skill gaps might be so whānau can provide their input and help identify the best-placed people to take on the role.

“Examples of sought-after skills and experiences might include agritechnology, value chain and logistics management, and product to market, or maybe a greater understanding of the link between mātauranga and agri-science.”

While Associate Directors do not have a vote, it is expected that they will contribute fully to the debate and discussion leading to decisions.

Mavis adds; “We know there are whānau doing and achieving great things, and the associate directorship programme has historically enabled us to help them in their leadership journey. This year we will be looking for those whānau who can help our business to continue its journey towards toitū te mana, toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata in a more focused and targeted way.”