Bayden’s (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu and Ngā Puhi) strengths lie in organisational governance and leadership. He currently holds a number of governance roles for local, regional and national organisations currently including Chair of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and Director at Beef + Lamb New Zealand. He has solid business acumen and an informed view on local and national political and social issues.

He is versed in tikanga and fluent in te reo Māori. In addition to formal governance roles, Bayden holds a number of voluntary community leadership positions in an effort to support community development.