Skip Content
 William Davis, Paora Anderson, Tia Barrett, Tawharangi Nuku, Sherrianne Emery, Fred Potini, Rangi Thomas- Hotere, Te Taiurungi Dr Jim Mather

From left to right, William Davis, Paora Anderson, Tia Barrett, Tawharangi Nuku, Sherrianne Emery, Fred Potini, Rangi Thomas- Hotere, Te Taiurungi Dr Jim Mather, absent from the photo is Maia Mihaka 

Two new committees established to provide a kaumātua perspective and a kaimahi voice at the senior leadership level of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have had their first meetings.

The committees - Te Taumata Kaumātua and Te Muka Kaimahi – aim to strengthen the performance of our organisation by providing advice and guidance to Te Taiurungi Dr Jim Mather.

Te Taumata Kaumātua will assist Te Taiurungi on specific cultural matters relevant to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa along with providing guidance and advice on emerging issues, and support with managing relationships with Māori entities and other key stakeholders.

It had its first meeting this month after a pōwhiri at Te Puna Matauranga on February 15.

Te Taumata Kaumātua includes two kaumātua appointed by Te Taiurungi as well as three kaumātua representatives from each takiwā. Mita Te Hae, the former chairman of Te Kahui Amorangi, which was dissolved in 2014, is a member of the new committee and provides a link and transition of knowledge from one to the other. 

The other Te Taumata Kaumātua members are Marie Panapa, Timi Peri, Tupito Maruera, Te Ariki Morehu, Julie Tawa, Miria Tauariki, Jean Kaa, Matua Jim Rauwhero.

Te Muka Kaimahi is a staff forum which reports directly to Te Taiurungi to ensure that the ‘kaimahi voice’ is conveyed to both Ngā Tumu and Te Mana Whakahaere. It will meet bi-monthly and its function includes acting as a ‘sounding board’, sharing kaimahi views and providing feedback on organisational progress. 

Te Muka Kaimahi member and Certificate in Māori Performing Arts kaiako William Davis says the first meeting was mainly learning about the aims of the committee.


Te Taumatua Kaumātua

Back row from Paraone Gloyne, Paora Anderson, Tupito Maruera.
Front from Te Taiurungi Dr Jim Mather, Julie Tawa, Marie Panapa, Jean Kaa, and Jim Rauwhero

Absent: Mita Te Hae, Timi Peri, Te Ariki Morehu, Miria Tauariki

“It was a good chance to get a feel for what it’s for,” he says.

“We give him feedback on issues which are relevant to us now, such as recruitment, enrolment, marketing, and we try to talk to other staff members and listen to what’s happening.”

Te Muka Kaimahi consists of Te Taiurungi, two kaimahi nominated by each takiwā director, and one representing Te Puna Mātauranga.

Its members are: Fred Potini (Kaiwhakaere Ako, Palmerston North), Maia Mihaka (Kaiarataki Ako, Ōtautahi), Tia Barrett (Kaitohutohu – Whakauru Tauira, Raroera), Rangi Thomas-Hotere (Kaiako, Te Ihu), Sherrianne Emery (officer student finance, Te Puna Mātauranga), William Davis (kaiako, Mangere), and Tawharangi Nuku (Pouahorangi, Tauranga).

Paora Anderson is the kaitiaki for both committees and feedback will be shared with kaimahi on the work of both forums in future editions of ‘He Iringa Whare’.


 Back to news & events

Published On: 15 Feb, 2017

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 20 August 2025

    Gain cultural confidence in the corporate world through Piharoa workshops

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Piharoa workshops empower corporate leaders with cultural confidence through mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Discover how this executive development programme fosters authentic engagement with Māori communities and transforms workplace culture.

  • 20 August 2025

    He aha tēnei mea te Tāne Māori? Tu's Rangahau journey

    Tutakangahau (Tu) Williams, recipient of the Dr Morehu McDonald Residency, shares his Rangahau journey exploring Māori masculinity and identity. Learn how his passion for reading, writing, and kaupapa Māori research is shaping his path toward a PhD and future as a kairangahau.

  • 14 August 2025

    Born to heal through rongoā and mirimiri

    Leeann Warena’s journey through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Rongoā Māori programme helped her transform a lifelong gift into a healing practice. Discover how mirimiri, mātauranga Māori, and purposeful study empowered her to support others and embrace her calling.

  • 13 August 2025

    Tautoko turned transformation for Northland local

    Piri-Kapua Allen’s journey at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began with supporting his mum and evolved into a personal transformation through te reo Māori. Discover how whānau, whakawhanaungatanga, and a supportive learning environment helped him reclaim identity and thrive.