Radio New Zealand

The head of the biggest Maori-owned fisheries firm is taking up a top role at the Treasury.

Whaimutu Dewes is to become a non-executive director of the Treasury Board - a governance body that supports the department's leadership team.

Mr Dewes is chairman of Aotearoa Fisheries and sits on the boards of a number of companies - including Ngati Porou Seafoods and Ngati Porou Forestry.

He holds a masters degree in public administration from Harvard University, and is of Ngati Porou and Ngati Rangitihi descent.