Pounamu Anaru

Guided by a strong connection to his people and place, Pounamu works with Māori farmers, iwi and industry partners to build trusted relationships and create long-term value for farming businesses. His role focuses on helping DairyNZ better understand the aspirations, opportunities and challenges of Māori farming businesses.

By strengthening partnerships and bringing te ao Māori perspectives into DairyNZ's work, he helps ensure research, services and levy-funded programmes are relevant, accessible and valuable for Māori farmers.

"Māori farming businesses often take a long-term view, balancing commercial performance with responsibilities to whānau, whenua and future generations," says Pounamu. "By listening, learning and working together, we can support practical solutions that strengthen farming businesses and create positive outcomes for both people and the environment."

Pounamu brings experience from local government, tourism and agriculture. He also holds governance roles with Ōnuku Māori Lands, Ruawāhia 2B and Parekārangi A1. Through his work with Māori trusts and conservation projects, he has seen first-hand the value of collaboration, shared purpose and long-term thinking.

A guiding whakaaro passed down from his pāpā is that healthy maunga, moana and whenua create healthy people. That principle continues to shape his approach to governance and his work with the dairy sector.

"I'm motivated by helping create a future where dairy farming succeeds through both productivity and care for the taiao," he says.

"Te ao Māori reminds us that our relationship with the whenua is reciprocal. When we protect and nurture the land and waterways, they continue to provide for our communities, livelihoods and future generations. Bringing this perspective into the sector can help build farming systems that are resilient, prosperous and sustainable."

Pounamu is proud of his Te Arawa whakapapa, with affiliations to Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Whakaue and Tūhourangi. He values whanaungatanga and spending time with whānau. Outside work, you'll often find him fishing, playing golf or enjoying time at home.

Strong partnerships with Māori help create a more productive, resilient and inclusive dairy sector, delivering value for farmers and helping ensure the sector remains strong for future generations.