Bayden resides in Waimārama where he is heavily involved with his community through Waimarama marae. His experience includes two terms as a Hastings District Councillor where he was the Chair of the Hastings District Council’s Strategy and Policy committee. He is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors, an independent director of Beef + Lamb NZ, a director and former chair of Health Hawke’s Bay, and a board member of Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission). Bayden says, “Relationships are a key component to such an important role. "I’ve been told I have a knack for walking authentically in both the Māori and Pākehā worlds and throughout the years I’ve built relationships at all levels, from the grassroots to the dignitaries and everywhere in between.”

“I particularly enjoy bringing together people who aren’t always on the same page, as it takes patience and practice but is well worth the effort.” Bayden also wants to improve Ngāti Kahungunu’s financial performance. “Our fisheries treaty settlement needs to be growing exponentially so that we can provide our people with increased benefits in the areas of employment, education, health, housing, and our environment.”

With a family of 7 children, and a beautiful Mokopuna in Hawaii, issues that affect whānau are at the heart of Barber’s desire to lead Ngāti Kahungunu. Bayden is married to Myra Christy from Nuhaka, Ngāti Rākaipaaka. “My wife, tamariki and wider whānau have always supported me in my leadership roles as they understand the importance of having good leadership in our community.” “I have met with our whānau throughout the rohe either via Zoom or where possible in person to discuss the future of our iwi. My whakapapa links me from Wairarapa, through Heretaunga and on to Te Wairoa and Waikaremoana. It is important to me that all the voices of Ngāti Kahungunu are heard.”