The leader of a multi-million dollar Maori-owned kiwifruit business is leaving the industry.
Hemi Rolleston of Te Arawa, Ngati Ranginui and Ngai Te Rangi has been the chief executive of Bay of Plenty-based Te Awanui Huka Pak since 2006.
It's 100 percent Maori-owned with $30 million in assets and over $300 million in shareholder value.
Mr Rolleston says he leaves the Maori kiwifruit business in a very lucrative position.
He says there are very positive times ahead on the back of some record payouts to kiwifruit growers, and a significant demand for their product all around the globe.
Mr Rolleston says it has a fantastic relationship with Zespri which markets their goods and it includes having its brand being recently promoted in China and other markets which is adding value to its business.
Mr Rolleston is taking up the position as the Callaghan Institute's General Manager of Maori Economy.
