Te Wānanga o Aotearoa chief executive Evie O’Brien announced as Te Kura Toroa
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is proud to announce that chief executive, Evie O’Brien, has been bestowed with the official title of Te Kura Toroa.
The announcement coincides with the yearlong 40th anniversary celebrations of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, making the introduction of Te Kura Toroa particularly significant and symbolic.
Moving forward, Te Kura Toroa will serve as the enduring title for the chief executive role at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, reinforcing the responsibility to serve the kaupapa as a true kaitiaki of the position.
Haimona Maruera, Te Ngira Kōtuitui – Head Advisor Cultural Integrity shared the meaning behind the title, explaining,
“Toroa are famed for their long-distance travel, and, as one of the largest sea birds, instill a sense of wonder and admiration in those observing them. Our tūpuna recognised that toroa could indicate approaching storms. They represent beauty and power, and their feathers are used as whakakai (adornments) and to dress the prow of waka tauā (war canoes).”
Historically, chief executives of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have received unique titles that reflect their leadership style and wairua. However, with the appointment of Evie O’Brien – the first wahine to lead the organisation – a decision was made to introduce a new, permanent title.
Te Kura Toroa is gender-inclusive and celebrates leadership qualities including foresight, endurance and mana.
Te Mana Whakahaere (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Council) member, Robert Gabel, shared his personal reflection on the significance of the title, saying,
“I’ve been out on the ocean voyaging, and I can recall when the toroa started flying around our waka. It was very reassuring – it was as though it was guiding us along the ocean throughout our journey.”
Evie O’Brien expressed her gratitude for the honour and the weight of its meaning, saying,
“I’m honoured to be following in the footsteps of the many great leaders of our wānanga, and I’m grateful for the excellent examples of leadership they have set for me. I’m humbled to be the first kaitiaki of this title, I will carry this responsibility with humility and do my best to meet its expectations, to lead and serve with aroha, mana and commitment to our kaupapa.”
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
A teacher’s path to understanding tikanga
Originally from South Africa, Franda Zondagh has called Aotearoa home since 2003, but it was through studying He Papa Tikanga with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that she began to feel a deeper connection to the place she lives and people she serves in her mahi.
Leading by example and learning te reo Māori
Liisa Wharepapa’s (Te Whānau ā Apanui) journey with te reo Māori wasn’t something that happened overnight, it was a goal waiting to be pursued until the moment she felt ready to take that step.
Returning home and reclaiming te reo Māori
After many years away building his professional career, Logan Bertram (Whakatōhea), returned home to Ōpōtiki with a clear goal of reconnecting with his whakapapa and creating a better future for his young whānau.
A teaching journey shaped by whānau
The journey to becoming a teacher was not a straight line for Nimai Fraser‑Eccleston, it was shaped by whānau, lived experience and his desire to create a meaningful life for his tamariki.
Governance grounded in te ao Māori
When the opportunity came up to study Manu Taiko, New Zealand Certificate in Māori Governance, at the Ngāmotu (New Plymouth) campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Paora Rauputu didn’t hesitate to enrol.
Flexible study supports Cromwell business owner
Based in Cromwell, Sam Taylor needed flexibility to balance work, study and build his business, and found exactly that through the online Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Turning point inspires commitment to change, community, and career
In 2024, Bryce Marsh faced a major turning point in life that led to him studying Manaaki Tangata at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, setting him on a path of healing, self-discovery and a desire to give back to his community.
A whānau journey of learning at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa wasn’t just a personal journey for Tania Dargaville (Te Rarawa). It became a whānau journey, shared alongside her sister and son, learning, growing and now graduating together.
Creating second chances for rangatahi
Kaimahi working in Youth Engagement Services at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa play a vital role in empowering rangatahi to discover who they are, build practical skills, and shape futures that feel right for them.
Wānanga study supports career shift into social services
When COVID-19 hit, it changed the direction of Dee Clark’s life. At the time, she was working in airport security as a behavior analyst, but the impacts of COVID-19 caused her role to change and so did her sense of purpose.
