Five minutes with Joe Hanita

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Joe Hanita

NGĀTI KOATA

Te Amonuku, our associate director and manager programme, is an important part of our succession planning for the future of Wakatū. Each year we bring on board new associate directors and managers for a two-year programme where they gain experience in the governance and management of Wakatū. Associate directors spend the first year on one of the Whenua, Kono, Auora or Manaaki boards, and the second year on the Wakatū Board. Previous associate directors include current board members Miriana Stephens, Johnny McGregor and Jeremy Banks, as well as Wakatū CEO Kerensa Johnston and Kono CEO Rachel Taulelei. We spent five minutes with Joe Hanita, our latest associate director, and asked him some quick-fire questions.

What is your connection to Wakatū?

My parents are John Hanita and Brigette Witinitara. I am the eldest of five boys, and I have two older whāngai sisters. My connection to Wakatū is through my dad, and his great-grandfather, Hakaraia Hēmi. I was born in Masterton, Wairarapa. My dad was a pig and dairy farmer, and during my childhood we moved around provincial North Island because of his work.

Where do you live now and what do you do?

I live in Inglewood with my partner, James, and I commute to work in New Plymouth, under the watchful presence of Taranaki Mounga. For the last two and half years, I have had the privilege of being the chief financial officer for Parininihi ki Waitotara Incorporation (PKW). We have around 10,000 shareholders. I oversee the PKW Group financial affairs, as well as strategy and developing and implementing our long-term outcomes. I also have oversight across our various investments such as forestry, horticulture, rural and commercial property, dairy and drystock farming, kōura, and tourism. Similar to Wakatū, PKW is in growth mode, seeking out means to diversify and optimise our business portfolio, along with building key relationships and partnerships. Our vision is He tangata, he whenua, he oranga: sustaining and growing our people through prosperity.

Where else have you lived and worked?

As my career has developed, I have also moved around the North Island. My first accounting role was based in Ōtorohanga. I then moved into the health and education sector, including a stint as director–finance for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Te Awamutu. My role as Māori sector lead/associate director for KPMG took me to Tāmaki Makaurau.

What qualifications do you have?'

I’ve got a Bachelor of Business from Wintec, Hamilton. I’m an internationally qualified chartered accountant and a member of the Institute of Directors.

What do you do outside of mahi?

Three main things keep me busy: Whānau, making sure we stay in contact, finding time to create new memories, and reminding me to stay grounded. Travel, experiencing new adventures, taking time to rest and reflect, and being in the moment. Governance roles, ensuring that I share what I know with others, so we can all learn, grow and prosper together.

Why did you apply to be an associate director?

My reasons for applying can be summed up in the opening of my application for the role: Ko wai au? I am the legacy of my tūpuna. He aha taku mahi? To remember, learn, grow, embrace and share my gifts. He aha ai? So our legacy will endure from generation to generation.

What does being an associate director mean for you personally?

It is about honouring the gift from my nana, Joyce Hanita (née Falleni). It’s also about making a commitment to reconnect with our whakapapa in Te Tauihu. During my childhood, I never really heard my nana share or speak about her Māori whakapapa. It wasn’t until after my father’s passing in 2000 that I learnt about my great-grandmother, Kiti Hēmi. My nana requested the transfer of her interests to my generation and it was through that succession process that we became aware of her stories, our whakapapa and the disconnection from the whenua.

Any whakataukī you live by or that are important to you?

Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka; the kūmara does not say how sweet it is. My parents and grandparents showed me the value of working hard and thinking about and caring for others. This has been a major influence in my belief in servant leadership.

Who has been an influential person in your life?

This is a really hard question as many whānau, friends and employers have influenced my journey. But anyone who has the persistence and determination to overcome barriers, has willingness to share and teach others, who dares to dream and makes it a reality, has my respect.

What are you hoping for during your time as associate director?

In closing my application, I wrote: My financial skillset is my foundation, but as I grow, so does my ability to think strategically and, long term, empower the potential of people, champion the change of heart and mind and ultimately live my deep sense of purpose: to remember those who gave us our current opportunities; to make a contribution using my gifts and to prepare and guide those who are yet to come, so they may continue the legacy.