Andrew Clayton

Ngāi Tahu Property Rural Operations Manager

What is your overall opinion of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu?
Ngāi Tahu is a diverse company with strong cultural, environmental and business values. This has created a dynamic and exciting working environment which encourages employees to challenge the norm and themselves. Ngāi Tahu puts its people first and prides itself on looking after those who work with and for them.

What is your position within the organisation?
I work for Ngāi Tahu Property, looking after rural operations; which includes management of a rural property development portfolio - two high country stations around Lake Wakatipu, a sheep and beef fattening business, dairy grazing operation and very soon, three dairy farms milking 3,500 cows.

What movement through the organisation have you experienced?
I have worked for Ngāi Tahu Property for almost three years within a growth portfolio. To date we haven't had the need to offer movement through the organisation however in the future I can see plenty of opportunities for personal development and advancement as our asset base grows.

What do you like about working for Ngāi Tahu?
The opportunity to manage assets not just for financial performance, but also for cultural and environmental outcomes. The people and the interaction between the commercial arm and non-profit groups within Ngāi Tahu. The opportunity to work with large assets. The freedom to look outside the square and advance best practices as opposed to doing the norm. The encouragement to take courses to further personal development. The satisfaction that we will advance iwi capability and become industry leaders.

What have you learned?
Tribal/commercial politics. The importance of widening your view on values.

What flexibility do you enjoy?
I have mostly been allowed to manage my time and efforts how I see fit with the appropriate resources to get the job done. I would say plenty of flexibility.

What development opportunities have you had?
I have grown through the practical challenges I have faced in my role and I am now starting to take courses to further my academic knowledge. I would like to finish my Food and Agribusiness Market Experience study and take on leadership roles (on behalf of NTP) within my industry.