Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chief executive Mark Gibb. Photo / Supplied
Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chief executive Mark Gibb. Photo / Supplied
"A huge honour."
That's how Mark Gibb feels about his role as Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust's newest chief executive officer.
Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust is an Ahu Whenua Trust legislated under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and is accountable to about 7000 owners in the land, which forms the trust.
ThePukeroa Oruawhata Group holds a portfolio of housing in Rotorua for the benefit of Ngāti Whakaue and works with other Whakaue organisations, Rotorua Lakes Council, and other providers to deliver housing solutions.
"The ability to step into the role of chief executive officer for the group is a huge honour and provides the ability to contribute towards enhancement and growth of the group's asset base for the benefit of its owners, Ngāti Whakaue."
Gibb has been in the role for just over a month and already has big plans for the trust.
Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust Group comprises multiple companies under the original trust formed in the Māori Land Court in 1930.
But it has its origins in the Fenton Agreement and a Certificate of Title issued in 1882. The Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust used the 1993 settlement to create commercial companies.
In the 2020 financial year, the group had operating revenue of $19.86 million with net equity of $289m.
In his role, Gibb said he hoped to support the trust's board in meeting a growth target in its asset base to $400m to enable enhanced benefits to the group's owners.
"We have a small management team of six, working alongside our trustee directors. As the group grows, we will constantly review our organisational structure to support the successful delivery of our strategy."
Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chief executive Mark Gibb. Photo / Supplied
Gibb said it was having the ability to successfully deliver that makes a good chief executive officer.
"To remain adaptable, to strongly advocate for an organisation's vision, to build great teams and to constantly focus on the big picture."
Gibb studied at Lincoln University, completing a Bachelor of Commerce, and his career has since been centred around the property, agricultural and aviation sectors.
He has held roles as general manager of global property for Fonterra, director of asset services for CB Richard Ellis, director of New Zealand Airports Association and most recently chief executive of the Rotorua Airport.
"Outside of work, I have been involved with several sporting organisations, most recently as chair of the Cambridge Rowing Club."
