Is there confidence that the recommendations won’t impact the financial position and returns of the tribe?
Yes, the Kaapuia Komiti and its Sponsors are confident that the recommendations will not impact the strong financial position of Waikato Tainui.
The current phase (waahanga four) of the review process will allow us to explore this in more depth the give the tribe greater assurance that any finalised recommendations and subsequent changes are well planned and managed.
What are the risks that have been identified in the process? What processes will be put in place to protect the tribe and its entities?
With any review of such an important entity, there are risks. The Komiti has mapped these, and they are mitigated as far as the Komiti can control. Ensuring the tribal entities are protected and secure for the future is paramount in the Komiti's decisions. This will be further explored and managed in the current engagement and consultation phase that has been approved by Te Whakakitenga o Waikato.
What is the plan to ensure reduced interference with the delivery of tribal programmes and commercial projects as the review takes place?
There are a number of stages that need to be worked through before final recommendations are approved and then implemented. The development of a risk mitigation plan will be prioritised as part of waahanga four to ensure that there is minimal disruption to kaimahi and the business activities of Waikato Tainui.
Where is the independent voice to keep the Board in check?
Independence on the Board is and has always been valued. This will not change.
How will you ensure that the right skills and expertise are in place on the new consolidated governance group?
Like all governance boards, any consolidated board will require a balance of skills and experience, that will be carefully considered to ensure it has the requisite skills and the corresponding confidence of those that it is to serve. The current phase (waahanga four) of the review will look at appointment mechanisms, including a skills and competencies matrix, to ensure that the consolidated board has the right skills and expertise to best serve the tribe.
How will you ensure that skilled professionals administer the tribe’s commercial portfolio?
The Waikato Tainui Group is a significant entity and employer within the region, the Maaori economy and Aotearoa. We have, and will continue to have, governance and management structures appropriate to our asset base and strategic objectives. This will allow us to continue to attract leading talent based on our reputation as a purpose-led, innovative intergenerational organisation with its people at its heart.
How will you ensure that there is continuity of institutional knowledge within the organisation?
Waikato Tainui is fortunate to have kaimahi and governors who have been with the tribal entity since its inception. Institutional knowledge is embedded not only in our people but in our relationships, engagements, systems and archives. The recommendations are not proposing to remove that memory.
Has consideration been given to the charitable status of the tribe and what is required to protect it through this restructure?
Ensuring that the charitable status of entities within the tribe’s structure is protected has been a priority focus for the review. Prior to any recommendations being implemented, care will be taken, and external advice sought, to ensure that the structure does not disrupt the current charitable status of any entity unless it is considered necessary and beneficial to the tribe.
This will cause a lot of disruption for our kaimahi, have you considered the risks around business continuity and how this will be managed through this process if it is accepted by TWOW?
We recognise that change is unsettling. We expect that the strength of our business engagements and the professionalism of our staff will ensure business continues with minimal disruption.
There are two things we hope will help with this. The first is a risk mitigation plan which is expected in the next stage of the review process. The second is an engagement programme to work with and talk to kaimahi about the recommendations and seek their feedback and input.
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