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Auckland, October 22, 2020
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) has appointed Renata Blair as Head of Maori Sector and Relationships.
In this role, Renata will focus on the four pou that underpin the Bank’s Maori business strategy: whanaungatanga – building relationships through shared experiences and working together towards a common goal; manaakitanga – showing respect, care and hospitality for others and creating tailored solutions that help Maori to achieve their aspirations; whai rawa – supporting iwi and Maori business to thrive, which will contribute to the prosperity of Maori communities; kaitiakitanaga – weaving collective insights, capabilities and knowledge of Te Ao Maori to provide the best outcomes from a holistic and long-term perspective.
Maori prosperity
BNZ Chief Customer Officer (Corporate and Institutional) Penny Ford said that the prosperity of Maori, and of Maori businesses, is vital to the prosperity of Aotearoa.
“Maori organisations and businesses have a significant role in the economy of Aotearoa New Zealand. They are asset-rich, diversified across a range of sectors and are experiencing a period of strong growth. We are focused on helping Maori business invest in their enterprises and in their communities to deliver long term sustainable growth,” he said.
Ms Ford said that Renata’s wealth of business and cultural expertise and a wide network of relationships will be fundamental to ensuring BNZ can play a positive role in delivering Maori business growth in New Zealand and celebrating Maori culture at BNZ.
Making a difference
“I am excited about the difference that Renata will make at BNZ and we look forward to Renata sharing his Mātauranga Maori with us and with all our customers, particularly iwi and Maori businesses,” she said.
Renata will commence his role in November and work alongside the BNZ whanau to support the long-term, sustainable success of Maori businesses. In his role he will also help lead initiatives such as BNZ’s Te Hōkaitanga (Maori leadership programme) and Te Pūtaketanga (Maori cultural intelligence programme) to embed Maori culture more deeply into the ways of working at BNZ.
About Renata Blair
Renata has held many governance and kaitiaki roles notably on the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves and the Independent Maori Statutory boards.
He is a member of the Institute of Directors, a trustee of the Eden Park Trust Board and a director at engineering firm Harrison Grierson.
Renata has demonstrated his Rangatiratanga me Te Aronga ki Mua (leadership and commitment) to the prosperity of Maori and taiao (nature) and having established and run his own business, Evitan Events, he understands first-hand what it takes to run a successful business.
Renata is of Ngāti Whātua and Tainui descent, and is proficient in Te Reo Maori, tikanga Maori and kawa Maori.
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