Barney has been a Board Director since 2004.  He is a Director on the Whenua Board and Chairs the Manaaki Board. Barney holds diplomas in Matauranga Māori and Māori Philosophy and Law through Te Wānanga o Raukawa. He is the local Iwi Manager for the Department of Conversation and resides in Nelson. Barney is of Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāi Tahu descent.