Farming business Ātihau-Whanganui appoints John Tatere as new chief executive

John Tatere starts with Ātihau-Whanganui on July 28.

Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation has named John Tatere as its new chief executive officer.

The incorporation is one of the country’s biggest farmers and represents more than 9000 Māori shareholders and whānau.

Its operations on 42,000ha of ancestral land from Ohakune to Whanganui include eight sheep and beef stations, a dairy farm, forestry and 3000 beehives.

The organisation’s shareholders include descendants of the original owners, who belonged to Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi and Whanganui iwi.

Tatere (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Waitaha) will take up the role on July 28.

He has more than a decade of leadership experience in Māori agribusiness.

Most recently, Tatere led Tuatahi Farming Partnership in Kuratau near Tūrangi, overseeing large-scale sheep, beef and deer operations.

Board chairman Shar Amner said Tatere and his whānau would relocate to Ohakune, reinforcing their commitment to being close to the land and communities of Ātihau.

“John’s appointment follows a rigorous process to find a leader who reflects our kaupapa and can drive future success for our people and whenua,” Amner said.

“His depth of experience, leadership and commercial mindset will support our aspirations and operations in the future.”

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