Tumuaramātauranga Nepia Winiata has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Nepia’s promotion to the role was confirmed after a meeting with Te Mana Whakahaere last week, and was announced earlier this week at a hui with Ngā Tumu.

He comes to the role after a decade of service and leadership within Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, firstly as regional operations manager for Tāmaki and then as regional manager for Te Tai Tokerau.

More recently, Nepia (Ngāti Raukawa) has served as Tumuaramātauranga (executive director, educational delivery) for the past four years.

Among his strengths as new Deputy Chief Executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, is Nepia’s ability to maximise and to improve situations. According to the Gallup ‘strength finder’ measure, 'Maximiser', is his one of his main strengths.

People with this strength have excellence as their measure and take delight in transforming something strong into something superb.

“I’m very humbled to be shown the confidence of Jim and Te Mana Whakahaere,” said Nepia.

“While I was nervous and cognisant of the increased responsibilities after being told; I have no doubt that I can perform in the role by building collaboration across the academic and the operational functions and relationships of the organisation.”

Nepia’s appointment to the role is effective immediately and his responsibilities as Tumuaramātauranga in leading the Hoe Whakatere will continue.

The Tumuakoranga (Executive Director, Academic Programmes and Development), Pakake Winiata, will continue to report to the Deputy Chief Executive.