Brett brings 40 years’ experience in dairy and beef farming and forestry, and will lead management of the company’s 4,466ha of rural properties.
Karl Retief, General Manager Property, welcomed Brett to TGH and said his passion for whenua Maaori and sustainability, track record in creating innovative farming models, and commitment to connecting iwi and whenua made him a standout candidate for the role.
“Brett has a lifetime of experience improving and nurturing farming whenua. We cannot overstate the importance of whenua to our iwi and look forward to the skills and stewardship that Brett will bring,” said Karl.
Brett began his career as a rural farm cadet, spending time working in the UK before returning to Aotearoa to manage dairy farms in the Waikato and Manawatu. He has spent the last six years as General Manager for Aramiro Whenua Trust, following three years as Iwi Relationship Manager and three years as a Technical Field Rep for PGG Wrightson where he provided consultation and advice to multiple Maaori Trust farms.
At Aramiro Whenua Trust Brett restructured the farming and forestry operations, achieving a substantial increase in equity value while, at the same time, implementing Taiao enhancement programmes to ensure long-term protection of the whenua. Improvements across the property included infrastructure, supply chain optimisation, livestock improvements, regulatory compliance measures, and guidance to lift the capability amongst Trustees and their whanaau owners.
“The infrastructure and systems are in place now for Aramiro Ahuwhenua Trust to continue as BAU and that meant the timing was right for me to consider the next step in my career,” said Brett. “Making a positive impact on people and land are what drive me, and I am looking forward to doing that on a wider scale at Tainui Group Holdings.”