Exterior cladding?

we have a room on the bottom floor of our house that needs attention.
The particular part we want to work on was built in 1975, if that helps identify the types of materials that might have been used.
The exterior cladding is some kind of high density board - no idea what it is, but it breaks off in pieces, a little like a brittle peice of gib would.

we want to replace it obviously, as it is old, damaged, and badly deteriorated, but are wondering what products are good options for exterior cladding? hoping someone in here can suggest some products for us to look into.

thanks in advance

There are plenty of possibilities, but a complicating factor is how it would work with existing openings, flashings etc. I replaced some shiplap weatherboard with horizontal linea. Meeting code meant 20mm battens over the framing. That extra depth meant thicker facings around doors etc were needed to fit scribers. The facings were then protruding out further than the sills, so the sills had to be extended.
So a "simple" job has potential to become a can of worms - choice of cladding may cause complications.
At a guess, using something like Shadowclad might work. It might be able to be battened out to work with existing detailing. It can look nice (IMO), but I understand there have been issues with durability of dark colours.

Chuck a photo or 2 up and we'll let you know

As the exterior cladding is more than 15 years old, as long as it has not failed and damaged the framing, you can replace it with comparable materials without requiring a building consent.

Also you are not required to create a cavity batten system, so just replace with something similar. Some designs of new houses as well as certain additions & alterations, also do not require a cavity system.

Post a photo and you'll get some suggestions on replacement materials.