Kingi Smiler

Māori Agribusiness & Primary Sector

Kingi traces his whakapapa to ancestors who experienced first-hand the devastating effects of colonization and the loss of Māori land. They left a legacy of advocating strongly for the return and development of land under Māori ownership and control. Achieving significant legislative changes affecting Māori land and the ongoing campaign to seek justice for the return of whanau land taken by the Crown in the 1940’s, reflects Kingi’s dedication to their legacy.

Kingi established the first Māori owned dairy company Miraka Limited and has led many major investments and developments across dairy, sheep and beef, horticulture and forestry in Māori agribusiness.

Tribes - Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Atiawa, Whakatohea, Tuhoe.