WAIRARAPA MOANA - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Group General Manager
• Member of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT
• Member of the Management Team

Anaru's links to Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa are through his father, Kingi Winiata Smiler, and his grandmother, Margaret Wikitoria Smiler (nee Black). With over 20 years experience working in the public and private sectors in both Aotearoa and United Kingdom, Anaru has been actively involved in chairing and managing a number of Māori businesses and other economic development initiatives throughout his career. Anaru joined as the Group General Manager in 2020, and has a strong focus on providing leadership and collaboration to ensure the WMI legacy continues to grow and prosper.

Job Titles:

• Member of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT

Job Titles:

• Member of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT
• Member of the Management Team
• General Manager of Finance

Brett's career spans over 20 years in Chartered Accounting firms, firstly as a director in a 6 partner Hamilton firm and secondly (along with his wife Kerry), founded Whakatane firm FARMit Accountants specialising in the Agri sector which serviced Agri clients across New Zealand. During this time Brett has been involved with many large scale agribusiness enterprises and locations and has a deep understanding of the issues faced in the industry. Brett has extensive knowledge of Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) being involved in various capacities since 2004, with dairy farm conversions from forestry to pasture and dairy conversions from sheep and beef, along with other major capital investments. He has been Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Incorporation's external accountant and since moving on from Chartered Accountancy is the Incorporation's General Manager of Finance to oversee the health and wellbeing of the Incorporations financial systems and drive strategic and operational excellence. Brett also holds other agribusiness directorships and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Job Titles:

• Member of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT
• Secretary - Manager

Charmaine holds a Bachelor of Arts Māori. She leads the secretariat to the Committee of Management; and the delivery of engagement with shareholders and whānau. She has been involved in management and administration with a key focus on Māori land and continues to work with Not for Profit organisations. Charmaine enjoys the opportunity to communicate with shareholders and whānau on a variety of topics.

Job Titles:

• Leader
• Member of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT
• Member of the Management Team
• General Manager of Farms

With over three decades of experience in the agriculture sector Gareth joined Wairarapa Moana Incorporation in 2022. Gareth is an experienced leader with a strong background in the dairy industry. He has previously worked for well recognised farming entities such as AgResearch and Pamu (formerly Landcorp). Gareth is passionate about large scale dairy portfolios and ensuring that farming systems for optimising animal performance and productivity are successfully implemented which in turn drive greater financial returns for the business. Gareth believes that by continuing to foster people within the business and provide personal development opportunities and, a career pathway for them, Wairarapa Moana Incorporation will continue to enjoy and celebrate its success into the future.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT

Job Titles:

• Member of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT
• Member of the Management Team
• Strategy Advisor

Michael previously led the Agribusiness team at Beker Findlay Allan Limited a public accounting firm based in Taupo until his retirement from the firm in 2018. He was involved with many large-scale dairy conversions. Michael says he is passionate about the business side of farming and when farms achieve exceptional financial performance it is exciting, and all stake holders feel pride in the achievement. In 2004 Michael first assisted Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI). He was involved as a member of the team planning the conversions to dairy farming. From that point on Michael has been involved professionally with the incorporation being a member of the WMI business advisory group and chair of the audit and risk committee. He was also involved with the de-forestation and conversion to dairy support land of the Ford Road and Consul Road areas. From 2019 to the end of 2020 Michael acted as the Group General manager for WMI. His role involved managing all business aspects of the WMI enterprise. Michael has a good knowledge of WMI's business and is the Strategic Advisor to WMI. He lives in Taupo and is married to Jane. Together they have two children and two grandchildren.

Job Titles:

• Deputy Chairman of COMMITTEE of MANAGEMENT