Ngāti Awa claim two out of three final spots for prestigious INFINZ award

Two wāhine who have served Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited (NAGHL) have been nominated as finalists for the prestigious INFINZ Te Tohu Kahukura Māori Leadership in Finance award.

The Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand (INFINZ) is an individual member-based organisation for professionals in finance roles and those working in New Zealand’s financial sector, with over 2,000 members nationally.

The award recognises outstanding individuals working in financial services in Aotearoa who have made a significant contribution to the successful economic development of Māori and the wider community.

Both Tracey Hook, Chief Executive and Debbie Birch, who recently stepped down from her role as a Director on the NAGHL Board, have claimed two of the three final spots for the INFINZ award. The other finalist is Jamie Rihia, who leads the Whāriki Māori Business Network and is General Manager Strategic Investment at Tauhara North No. 2 Trust. The winner will be announced at the annual IFINZ awards on May 25 in Auckland.

Commenting on the nominations NAGHL Board Chair, Jim Mather said:

“It is fantastic to see not one, but two of our wāhine toa recognised for the financial leadership and excellence they have demonstrated in their mahi. Ngāti Awa has benefited hugely from the efforts of Tracey and Debbie, both at an operational and governance level, and they thoroughly deserve the recognition they have received.”

Tracey (Ngā Wairiki, Te Ati Haunui ā Pāpārangi) was selected as a finalist for her leadership, guidance and management of many high-profile Māori organisations, this includes her current role as Chief Executive at NAGHL, which she has held since 2019.

Tracey was previously executive director of finance at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and acting chief financial officer at iwi powerhouse Tainui Group Holdings. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a member of the Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be recognised by such luminaries in the financial sector and to be selected for this award alongside people I have long admired,” said Tracey.

Tracey’s expertise in strategic financial planning and investment has been recognised by industry experts. She is known for her attention to detail and commitment to helping Māori achieve prosperity through greater financial outcomes.

Debbie (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Hauiti, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Apa) has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial sector in senior executive and governance roles. She has managed large investment portfolios in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Debbie is now a full-time professional director with governance roles with Taupō Moana Investments Limited, Te Pūia Tāpapa GP, Tuaropaki Trust, Raukawa ki te Tonga AHC Limited, Miraka Limited, Tourism Holdings Limited, Eastland Group Limited and served eight years as a board director for NAGHL.

Debbie said: “This is an unexpected honour, and recognition for all finalists in this prestigious award category. Ngati Awa has been one of many iwi entities at the forefront of Maori economic development by supporting and committing to various transactions that will grow economic wealth for current and future generations”

For more information about the IFINZ awards and to see all of the finalists please visit their website: https://www.infinz.com/Site/INFINZAwards/