Agribusiness leader, governance director and Māori businesswoman

Overview

Mavis Mullins MNZM is one of New Zealand's most respected Māori businesswomen. A fourth-generation shearing contractor, two-time national wool handling champion and NZ Business Hall of Fame inductee, she sits at the intersection of agribusiness, governance and te ao Māori, and brings rare wisdom to leadership stages across Aotearoa.

Who is Mavis Mullins? Mavis (Rangitāne, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Ngāti Ranginui) is director of Paewai Mullins Shearing, the family business started by her grandfather, 1920s All Black Lui Paewai. Under her leadership it became the first shearing business in the world to achieve ISO 9002 accreditation. She helped negotiate her iwi's Treaty settlement and heads its post-settlement entity Tu Mai Rā. She holds an MBA from Massey.

Career Highlights • NZ Business Hall of Fame inductee, 2017 • MNZM for services to the wool industry, 2002 • Inaugural Aotearoa Māori Business Leaders Business Woman of the Year • Rural Women of Influence Award, Westpac NZ Women of Influence Awards, 2016 • Two-time national wool handling champion and former president of the Golden Shears • Chair and director roles including Tu Mai Rā, AgriWomen's Development Trust and Aohanga Incorporation

Key Speaking Themes • Māori business leadership and te ao Māori in commerce • Agribusiness, the wool industry and primary sector growth • Governance, treaty settlements and post-settlement entities • Women in business, rural leadership and family businesses • Intergenerational wealth and the next generation of Māori leaders

What Your Audience Will Gain Mavis brings warmth, deep wisdom and four generations of business experience to the stage. Audiences leave with a richer view of Māori values in business and what it takes to build something that lasts.

Ideal For • Māori business and iwi events • Agribusiness, rural and primary sector conferences • Women in business and International Women's Day events • Governance and board forums • Universities, leadership and community events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Mavis Mullins speak about? Māori business, agribusiness, governance, women in leadership, treaty settlements and family businesses.

What is Paewai Mullins Shearing? The family shearing business started by Mavis's grandfather Lui Paewai. Mavis grew it into one of NZ's leading shearing contractors and the first in the world to achieve ISO 9002 accreditation.

What honours has Mavis Mullins received? She was made an MNZM in 2002 and inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame in 2017, among many others.

What is Tu Mai Rā? The post-settlement entity for Mavis's iwi Rangitāne. She helped negotiate the Treaty settlement signed in 2016 and now heads the entity.

What governance roles does Mavis Mullins hold? She chairs and sits on boards including Tu Mai Rā, Aohanga Incorporation, AgriWomen's Development Trust and Ngā Whenua Rahui.
Is Mavis Mullins available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Mavis is regularly booked for keynotes, panels and MC roles at business, agribusiness and Māori leadership events.