Handover celebrated with transfer of kaitiakitanga.

 

Adrian Blake’s recent appointment as managing director of OfficeMax New Zealand was the subject of a traditional Māori ceremony at the Auckland-based company last month. 

 

OfficeMax held a pōwhiri to formally welcome Blake (pictured left) as the boss, marking not just a leadership transition, but the beginning of a new chapter for the company. 

 

A standout moment was the passing of the OfficeMax korowai from Kevin Obern, the highly regarded former managing director, to Blake. 

 

The symbolic gesture represented the transfer of kaitiakitanga, the responsibility of guardianship and leadership.

 

“What made the occasion especially meaningful was the contribution of our people, those who practised the waiata, took part in the ceremony, and helped create such a strong sense of welcome,” the company said.

 

OfficeMax New Zealand is owned by US private equity firm Platinum Equity, which also owns Winc Australia.