Muaūpoko Trading Company
Muaūpoko Trading Company Limited (MTC) is the Asset Holding Company of Muaūpoko Tribal Authority Incorporated (MTA).
MTC holds, protects, manages and grows commercial and fisheries assets for the long-term benefit of Muaūpoko. Its role is to provide careful commercial stewardship of these assets while supporting the wider aspirations and charitable purposes of MTA.
MTC relationship with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority
MTC is wholly owned by Muaūpoko Tribal Authority.
MTA represents the interests of Muaūpoko and provides the overarching strategic direction for the organisation. MTC operates as a separate company with its own Board of Directors and governance responsibilities, while remaining accountable to MTA as its shareholder.
MTA appoints the directors of MTC and receives reporting on the Company’s performance, plans and management of its assets.
The relationship can be represented simply as:
Muaūpoko Tribal Authority Incorporated
Shareholder and strategic governance
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Muaūpoko Trading Company Limited
Asset Holding Company and commercial governance
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Muaūpoko commercial and fisheries assets
MTC operates in accordance with its Constitution, the strategic direction of MTA and the requirements applying to Māori fisheries settlement assets.
What MTC does
MTC is responsible for the stewardship of important assets held for the benefit of Muaūpoko.
Its activities include:
- managing Muaūpoko fisheries settlement assets, including quota and associated fisheries interests
- managing income and distributions arising from fisheries assets and shareholdings
- overseeing commercial investments
- managing property interests, including the MTC property at 306 Oxford Street, Taitoko Levin
- assessing opportunities to protect and grow the value of Muaūpoko assets
- providing financial and performance reporting to MTA as shareholder.
MTC’s role is primarily one of asset ownership, investment and commercial governance. Under the Māori fisheries settlement framework, MTC does not itself undertake fishing operations.
Protecting assets for future generations
The assets held by MTC have both commercial and intergenerational importance.
The Board’s responsibility is therefore not simply to generate short-term financial returns, but to ensure Muaūpoko assets are appropriately protected, managed and developed so they can continue to contribute to the wellbeing and aspirations of present and future generations.
Where appropriate, MTC may make distributions to MTA to support its wider work for Muaūpoko, subject to the Company’s governance, financial and solvency requirements.
Our Directors
MTC is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by Muaūpoko Tribal Authority.
Directors are responsible for the governance of the Company, including commercial strategy, financial performance, investment oversight, risk management and the protection and development of Muaūpoko assets.
Tracey Horiana McKay
(Hapu: Ngāi Te Ao). Tracey is a Director of Muaūpoko Trading Company, the commercial arm of Muaūpoko Tribal Authority. She contributes strategic oversight across the iwi’s commercial fisheries portfolio and emerging investment opportunities, ensuring decisions are commercially sound, culturally aligned, and positioned for intergenerational growth. With a background in marketing major global brands and now heading McKay Marketing, Tracey brings deep expertise in commercial strategy, market analysis, and organisational development. Her focus is on building resilient commercial pathways that uplift Muaūpoko whānau and support the iwi’s long‑term aspirations.
Mark Moses
(Hapu: Ngāti Pariri). Mark is the founder and principal of Pakohe Solutions, bringing extensive experience in Māori economic development, commercial strategy, and organisational capability building. He has worked alongside iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations across Aotearoa to strengthen governance systems, develop commercial pathways, and support long‑term asset stewardship. Mark’s expertise in strategic planning, investment analysis, and kaupapa‑driven leadership contributes strongly to the Company’s focus on sustainable, culturally aligned commercial growth.
Kate Wharehoka
Kate Wharehoka is an Independent Director for the Muaūpoko Trading Company (MTC). A qualified Chartered Accountant, she currently serves as the Commercial Manager (Central Region) for Oji Fibre Solutions, following senior financial and commercial roles at Fonterra and Carter Holt Harvey. Kate utilises her deep expertise in financial strategy, forecasting, and asset management to drive sustainable commercial growth and long-term economic prosperity for Muaūpoko.
Governance
MTC is governed under the Muaūpoko Trading Company Limited Constitution, with the current governance arrangements taking effect from 1 July 2026.
The Constitution sets the framework for matters including the Company’s purpose, appointment and responsibilities of directors, decision-making, accountability to MTA as shareholder, management of fisheries settlement assets and reporting requirements.
MTC’s governance is also informed by relevant company law and the statutory framework governing Māori fisheries settlement assets.
Reporting and accountability
MTC reports to Muaūpoko Tribal Authority on its financial performance, asset management and future plans.
Information about MTC’s annual performance is also provided through MTA’s annual reporting and AGM processes, supporting transparency and accountability to Muaūpoko whānau.
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