Highly motivated and experienced leader with 27 years of experience championing Mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti
Waitangi principles within education, governance and community development. Proven success in building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Iwi, Crown entities and international organisations. Expertise in strategic planning, programme development and delivery and cultural competency. Passionate about empowering Māori communities and creating sustainable Climate Change solutions for future generations.
I am a dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. I have a strong work ethic and effective communication skills. I am eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support te Papa goals.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner Director and Private Contractor
MATA CONCEPTS
Whanganui East, Manawatu-Wanganui
01.2004 - Current
Provided strategic planning, governance training, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi training for iwi, hapū, and organizations nationwide.
Designed and developed 'Mai I te Kōpae ki Rangiātea,' intergenerational transmission of knowledge strategy.
Designed a world-first digital Mana Monitor to monitor the health of an Iwi/Crown relationship.
Developed and implemented a Rangatiratanga Governance Framework
Designed and developed several governance training programs.
Offered strategic settlement advice to various iwi (Ngāti Uenuku, Te Rarawa, Waitaha, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Haaua, Taumarunui, and Ngā Ruahine).
Facilitator for the Māori Land Court whānau conferences.
Wānanga kaupapa māori Kaiwhakahere
Tumu Whakarae | Chair
Te Kāhui o Rauru
01.1998 - Current
Led over 15 impactful initiatives across diverse sectors (governance, education, health, renewable energy, environment, cultural development, and economic development), resulting in:
A Māori-specific governance model for Te Kāhui
Rauru
Successful implementation of Te Kooiwi-roa accord (18 schools)
Partnerships with international wind farm corporations (Sumitomo, PNE, Park Wind), securing training opportunities for Ngā Rauru
Integrated climate change adaptation strategy, securing funding for Te Mana
Te Wai and reducing the environmental impact of farming
Championed Iwi rights and interests in key forums (National Iwi Chairs' Forum Taranaki Iwi Chairs' Forum and Te Ranga Tupua Chairs' Forum)
Facilitated successful Treaty settlements and strategic plan implementation for five Iwi
Contributed to the establishment of the National Alternative Education Forum
Programme Development & Delivery
Corrections Department
01.1997 - 01.2024
Designed, developed and delivered Te Reo Māori programmes for 'Ko Te Reo te Mauri Whanganui' (1997-2004) and the Corrections Department (1998-2024) demonstrating expertise in adult learning and Mātauranga Māori
Successfully delivered Te Reo, Tikanga, Whaikōrero/Karanga and Waiata wānanga programmes for Te Tumu Paeroa, the Corrections Dept, Iwi and Hapū in Taranaki, Panguru, Whanganui and Ngāti Raukawa, showcasing cultural competency and responsiveness to diverse learner needs
Maintained a 24-year contract with Corrections, highlighting a strong track record of commitment, adaptability and success in challenging educational environments
Education
Te Reo Māori degree -
<ul><li>Te Wānanga</li><li>Raukawa</li></ul>
01.2004
Masters of Mātauranga Māori -
01.2002
Mātauranga Māori Certificate -
01.1996
Skills
Skilled in Te Reo Māori Language and Traditions
Strong Familiarity with Te Tiriti
Stakeholder Engagement Expertise
Experienced in Developing and Delivering Programs
Project Oversight
Effective Collaboration Skills
Effective Communication
Digital Education Delivery
Influencing skills
Course development and facilitation
Maori Land Court Whānau Facilitation
References
Available on request
Governance Board Service
Te Tumu Whakarae (Chair), Te Kāhui
Rauru, Taranaki Iwi Chairs' Forum, Te Ranga Tupua Chairs' Forum, National Iwi Chairs' Forum, Board Member: National Māori Fresh Water Fisheries Forum (2003-2006), Board Member: National Māori Primary Healthcare Organisation (2000-2007), Manu Tohi Kura (Co-Chair) Te Mātuku | Iwi Māori Partnership Board, Taranaki Māori Trust Board (Chair, 2010-2016), Trustee, Pātea Area School
Key Projects And Achievements
Te Kāhui
Rauru Tikanga-based Governance Framework Model: Developed and implemented a unique governance model grounded in tikanga.
Te Kura i Huna Digital Schooling Model: Pioneered an innovative digital schooling model, collaborating with the Ministry of Education to establish a digital Chartered School by 2025.
Mana Monitor: Led the development of Aotearoa New Zealand's first indigenous-led digital tool for measuring Iwi-Crown relationships.
He Kākano: Designed and implemented Te Kaahui
Rauru Innovation Technology Hub, launched in 2023.
Tech Industry Pathway for Rangatahi: Leading a co-design project to create pathways for rangatahi into the tech industry.