Kaimahi Kōrero: Gabriel du Toit, Finance Manager

Ko Gabriel Du Toit tēnei. No Awherika ki te Tonga ia.

Gabriel joined the business June, as Whai Rawa’s Finance Manager. He has had an impressive career in finance, starting in his home country of South Africa as an auditor. Most recently, he was the Group Accounting Manager at Indevin Group, a leading wine company, based here in Aotearoa.

“I’ve always held roles centred around finance and accounting”, Gabriel says. “That’s where I've developed expertise as a Chartered Accountant and gained valuable experience in financial analysis, financial reporting, and strategic decision-making.

His day-to-day work reflects typical finance activities – including but not limited to, recording transactions, analysing information and data, and reporting on those transactions to the Board.

Finance in Whai Rawa has various projects underway, where Gabriel’s had to hit the ground running to get up to speed. “I've learned so much already, navigating some of the complexities of the business. “I’m looking forward to learning more and growing in the role, support the business’ initiatives and contributing further to the team.”

Gabriel found his integration with the company particularly meaningful as it serves the tangata whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau, which resonates deeply with his own indigenous heritage as a coloured South African.

“The parallels in my culture, te ao Māori and the values alignment from a personal and professional perspective, has made it an easy transition.”

This cultural crossover has deepened his understanding for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and enhanced the way he works. “It has been enriching to learn from and work for the hapū, gaining insights into tikanga Māori, and the deep connection to the land that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has.

When he’s not working, Gabriel enjoys going to the gym and traveling. And although from South Africa, he spent time growing up as a teenager in Manurewa and has embraced the Aotearoa way of life.