Massey Student Wins Prestigious Pāmu Agriculture Scholarship
William John Poole, a third year Agribusiness student at Massey University, has been awarded the Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Scholarship.
Nuku is currently general manager of Ngamanawa Corporation, a Māori entity with a diverse portfolio across forestry, kiwifruit, horticulture, energy, and conservation interests.
Pāmu says Nuku combines commercial sharpness with entrepreneurial leadership, having built and franchised fitness businesses throughout Asia - experience the state farmer says adds valuable diversity to its governance table.
John Rae, chair of Pāmu's board, says Nuku's appointment is about developing future governance talent while also ensuring the board benefits from a wide range of perspectives.
"Dave brings a strong values base, commercial insight, and proven financial acumen. His deep engagement with Māori governance structures and his ability to respond to both short and long-term shareholder needs will be incredibly valuable to Pāmu,” Rae says.
“His governance exposure through programmes such as Kellogg, the Institute of Directors, and Zespri governance development provides a strong platform for success in this Associate Director position. Dave’s understanding of Māori agribusiness and his cultural capability add further strength to the Board,” Rae adds.
The Associate Director role supports the development of emerging directors while enabling Pāmu to benefit from new thinking, lived experiences, and a deeper connection with Aotearoa New Zealand’s communities and shareholders.
Nuku says he looks forward to contributing to Pāmu and to developing further as a governance leader.
“It’s a privilege to join Pāmu in this capacity. I look forward to learning from the Board while also bringing my commercial and cultural perspective to support the important role in the primary sector Pāmu has," he says.
