Ngati Whatua o Orakei's former chief executive, Tiwana Tibble, says he leaves a lasting legacy of a tenfold increase in the value of the hapu's investments.
Under Mr Tibble's watch, the sub-tribe's equity has grown from $30 million to $300 million, and he's now leaving after 14 years heading the operations of Auckland's largest hapu.
Mr Tibble says there were tough times with a lot of debt early, and he had to make very disciplined decisions using limited resources.
But he says sub-tribe members are now benefiting from that strategy.
Mr Tibble is highly regarded within the sub-tribe, despite being of Ngati Porou, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Raukawa descent.
He remains on the board of directors at Radio New Zealand.
A trustee of Ngati Whatua o Orakei, Sharon Hawke, says Tiwana Tibble was a respected and liked chief executive.
She says it's extraordinary that any Maori organisation could have a CEO for 14 years and remain quite happy to call him a friend.
