Whai Rawa appoints a new CFO and Business Analyst

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa has bolstered its finance capability with the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer and an experienced business analyst.

Scott Barkman joins Whai Rawa as the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He brings 25+ years of local and international experience, most recently as Group Financial Controller for Heartland Bank.

His immediate focus will be providing strategic financial advice at both the governance and operational level, leading the finance team to ensure Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is meeting its financial reporting obligations and supporting the executive leadership team and Board.

“Just a few weeks into the role, I am already enjoying the variety of projects and mahi that is currently underway. I was fortunate to attend the opening celebrations for Kāinga Kaumātua which provided unique insight into the role that Whai Rawa plays in supporting hapū aspirations and I am keen to learn more about Toi Tupu savings and investment scheme and how it assists whānau.

“Having joined from large organisations, I am enjoying being part of such a tight knit team as Whai Rawa. I’m looking forward to getting to work together to achieve our collective goal to continue to support Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei whānau now and into the future,” says Scott.

Aiden Wu is another new addition to the Whai Rawa finance team. With more than eight years of industry experience across similar roles throughout Aotearoa, most recently at Les Mills International, Aiden will largely focus on group forecasting in addition to designing and recommending solutions that will help the organisation achieve its goals.

“Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is a very interesting organisation to be involved in with an impressive property portfolio. Having the opportunity to work for a business that has such a strong social focus is unique; the mission of building a greater future for the hapū, whānau and the wider community is one that I find valuable and can personally get behind,” says Aiden.  

Grant Kemble, CEO of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa, says Scott and Aiden’s appointment come at a time of significant growth for the organisation, with several new developments on the horizon.

“Scott and Aiden have already made a positive impact on the Whai Rawa team, in the short time they have been with us.

“I have great confidence in Scott’s abilities - he has an excellent reputation, and his leadership skills and strong financial background will be of great benefit to both myself and the wider team, as we work to steer the organisation forward.

“Aiden’s knowledge and expertise adds capacity to the finance team, and his business acumen will help ensure that we continue to achieve our objectives,” says Grant.