Grace Arohanui Taniora
Mangere Bridge,AUK
Summary
Managing Director, Kaiako, and Kaupapa Māori Researcher with over 30 years of experience across kura, wānanga, iwi authorities, and Māori organisations. Skilled in operational management, kaupapa Māori leadership, contract management, Te Reo Māori revitalisation, cultural competency, and developing longterm capability in Māori communities. I am driven by the aspiration to uplift whānau, strengthen iwi development, and uphold mātauranga Māori across all areas of service.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Educational Delivery
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Auckland
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed regional delivery of Te Ara Reo Māori (Levels 1-4, online & face-to-face)
- Led operations, teaching, quality assurance, and student support teams
- Oversaw contracts, audits, budgets, compliance, and reporting
- Strengthened community relationships and reo Māori provision
Head of Māori Department
Waiopehu College
Levin
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led Māori department, curriculum, and staff capability
- Kapa haka tutor, performer, and composer
- Managed Māori youth programmes
- Board member, Te Waipuputanga
- Punahau
Kaiako
Te Kura Māori o Porirua
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Kaiako for Years 6-8 in reo Māori immersion
- Delivered reo, tikanga, and literacy programmes
- Strong whānau and community engagement
Various Roles
01.1990 - 01.2015
- Kaiako Reo Māori, bilingual teacher, curriculum designer
- Manager, programme leader, adult educator (TWoA, TWoR, Awanuiārangi, NorthTec)
- Kapa haka director, performer, tutor
- Iwi advisor and community programme manager
- Senior leadership across Māori organisations
Managing Director
Te Pātaka Mauri Ora Trust
- Managed finances, funding contracts, operations, and compliance
- Kaupapa Māori researcher
- Muaūpoko representative on Te Mātāwai (Taihau-ā-uru)
Education
Masters - Indigenous Studies
Te Wānanga O Aotearoa
12-2025
First Aid Certificates -
01.2025
Graduate - Te Ahu O Te Reo Māori
Te Wānanga o Raukawa
Otaki, NZ11-2015
Certificate - Horticulture
01.2008
Diploma - Adult Teaching
01.2007
Certificate - Small Business Management
01.2006
Diploma - Teaching
01.1992
Diploma - Counselling
Massey
Skills
- Senior Leadership & Governance
- Operational Management & Service Delivery
- Te Reo Māori Teaching & Curriculum Design
- Contract & Compliance Management
- Cultural Competency & Mātauranga Māori Practitioner
- Kapa Haka Tutor
- Performer
- Composer
- Whānau & Community Development Specialist
- Māori Pedagogy & Ako Whakatere Practitioner
- Pae Karanga & Tikanga Practitioner
- Financial Management
- Rostering
- Reporting
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
Availability
Available to start immediately., Aligned with experience, qualifications, and role responsibilities.
References
- Agnes McFarland, Associate Professor, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, E: Agnes.McFarland@twoa.ac.nz, M: 027 410 5865
- Hohepa Isaac-Sharland, Director (Mātauranga), Tai Huki Consult, E: hohepa@taihukiconsult.co.nz, M: 021 371 970
- Amelia Paea, Advisor & Consultant, Te Puni Kōkiri & Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, E: milly.paea@gmail.com
- Regina Hepi, Senior Kaiako, Te Kura-ā-iwi o Te Whakatipuranga Rua Mano, E: regina@twrm.kura.nz, M: 0274589327
- Brendon Shaw, Teams Lead, Kaiako Papatoetoe School, E: brendon.shaw@twoa.ac.nz, M: 022 183 7978
Voluntary Community Roles
- Chair - Te Waipuputanga o Punahau (Kura-ā-Iwi Board)
- Board Member - Muaūpoko Tribal Authority
- Cultural Advisor - Māori Performing Arts, Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga
- Rangatahi & Whānau Mentor
- Te Mātāwai Board Member - Te Pae Tāwhiti o te Taiāuru
Timeline
Manager of Educational Delivery
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
01.2022 - 01.2024
Head of Māori Department
Waiopehu College
01.2019 - 01.2021
Kaiako
Te Kura Māori o Porirua
01.2016 - 01.2018
Various Roles
01.1990 - 01.2015
Managing Director
Te Pātaka Mauri Ora Trust
Masters - Indigenous Studies
Te Wānanga O Aotearoa
First Aid Certificates -
Graduate - Te Ahu O Te Reo Māori
Te Wānanga o Raukawa
Certificate - Horticulture
Diploma - Adult Teaching
Certificate - Small Business Management
Diploma - Teaching
Diploma - Counselling
Massey