Ngā Pou

Shireen has a key role in realising our mission of tauira success by being responsive to the needs of our kaiako and tauira support services.

Position: Pouwhakahaere Ako | Deputy Chief Executive (Teaching & Learning)

Qualifications: PhD, MEd, BEd, BA, HDE

Shireen leads teaching and learning, programme management, programme delivery, ako wānanga, tauira support services and rangahau for our organisation.

Shireen brought high-level academic leadership experience to her career at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa which began in 2004. In her previous roles with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Shireen led the development and implementation of Te Rautaki Rangahau – our research strategy – which has enabled unprecedented levels of participation in the Performance-based Research Fund that resulted in 80 per cent of evidence portfolios receiving a quality category.

Lindsay oversees the strategic support teams including governance, strategy, enterprise project management office, performance, quality assurance, audit & risk, and programme development.

Position: Pouwhakahaere Taumatua | Deputy Chief Executive (Wānanga Services)

Qualifications: DipCPM, BIT, PMP, MEd (Distinction in e-learning)

Lindsay's team is responsible for developing our investment plan and works closely with the Tertiary Education Commission and other Crown agencies.

Lindsay has been with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa since 2007 and has broad experience across all aspects of the organisation from information technology to programme development. She has a love of learning and a passion for the role technology can play in education.

Jason leads the teams responsible for finance, operations and maintaining our property portfolio across the motu.

Position: Pouwhakahaere Tahua | Deputy Chief Executive (Finance & Operations)

Qualifications: CA, BCA, GradDipPA

Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Jason brings a wealth of senior leadership experience, and a strong commercial background, most recently in the education sector for BCITO. A dedicated advocate for kaupapa Māori principles, Jason has shown a proactive approach towards inclusivity and diversity within the trades sector. His forward-thinking mindset and understanding of the evolving landscape will help us embrace diversity and ensure our processes are efficient and sustainable.

Leon is our very experienced human resources executive with a key role in supporting our kaimahi to succeed across the motu.

Position: Pouwhakahaere Whanake | Deputy Chief Executive (People & Culture)

Iwi: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Rāhiri

Qualifications: GradDipPsyc. BSocSci (Honours). Professional Member of HRINZ

Leon brought to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa an extensive history of working with boards and executive leaders, developing and implementing human resources strategy across a diverse range of industries.

Prior to starting with us, he held senior to executive-level human resources roles with international development organisation, Pacific Community, and the University of Auckland. He has also worked for large multinationals in the not-for-profit and professional services sectors across Australasia and the South Pacific. He brings a proven strategic background in helping organisations develop positive and engaging organisational cultures aligned with driving improved performance.

Leon also has a passion for mātauranga Māori and developing his te reo proficiency.

Glenn has a key role in driving the implementation of our communications and marketing strategy, along with providing strong support in other vital strategic areas as we work towards being a connected and empowered educator and employer of choice.

Position: Pouwhakahaere Whakatairanga | Deputy Chief Executive (Purpose and Relationships)

Iwi: Te Arawa

Qualifications: MBA with distinction

Glenn, previously a regional director for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa from 2010 – 2014, returned to us as Pouwhakahaere Whakatairanga, following several key executive leadership roles in higher education institutions including Unitec and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. He brings a strong background in using kaupapa Māori and te ao Māori principles to increase stakeholder engagement, and guiding staff toward a shared goal in an ever-changing world.

Glenn is a graduate of our Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi (Level 7) programme and is unapologetic in advancing Māori interest.

Peter is responsible for driving strategies that will help us adapt and evolve in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Position: Pouwhakahaere Taupārongo | Deputy Chief Executive (Digital & Information)

Qualifications: Te Wānanga o Raukawa Poupou Huia Te Reo Māori Level 4, BA (Hons) Politics, Diploma Journalism.

Peter has a strong background in transforming organisations through bold digital strategies, most recently in vocational and tertiary education, and before that was delivering digital transformations and products in financial services and telecommunications. Peter has a background of working with corporates and technology start-up companies and founded the first Fintech accelerator in Aotearoa.

He spent 2 decades in the UK and in Aotearoa developing a deep respect for technology and its power to enhance and transform organisations. As Tangata Tiriti his passion lies in using digital technology and people-centred design to deliver equity for tangata whenua and to improve life for all people in Aotearoa.

Ariana leads public and private sector partnerships across domestic and international contexts that support cultural, educational, and professional training. Her work is focused on creating pathways that deliver meaningful outcomes for learners, whānau, and communities.

Position: Pou Ārahi | General Manager Te Arawai (Partnerships)

Iwi: Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Raukawa

Qualifications: MBA (Distinction, Curtin), PGDipBus (Waikato), GradDipBus (Curtin)

Ariana brings over 20 years’ experience in the tertiary education sector and has been closely involved in iwi development, as well as working alongside Māori and Pasifika businesses across Aotearoa. She was humbled to help establish supplier diversity in Aotearoa, supporting more equitable participation and opportunity within procurement and partnership models.

Throughout her career, Ariana has built a strong reputation for connecting organisations, communities, and sectors in ways that are values-led and impact-focused. She places a high value on building genuine, trusted relationships and is deeply committed to partnerships that enable positive, sustainable outcomes for learners and the communities they serve.

Haimona provides leadership in cultural integrity, ensuring te ao Māori principles are authentically embedded across organisational practice, decision-making, and strategy. In his role as Pou Ārahi Te Ngira Kōtuitui, he upholds and strengthens the cultural foundations that guide Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Position: Pou Ārahi | Te Ngira Kōtuitui (Cultural Integrity)

Iwi: Ngāti Ruanui, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Tūwharetoa

Qualifications: MMIL with distinction, PGrad, BEdAdTch, DipTchKKM

Haimona has been a dedicated member of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Te Papaiōea since 1999, bringing extensive institutional knowledge developed through his work as a kaiako, in management roles, and now in senior cultural leadership. His long-standing service reflects a deep commitment to the kaupapa and to the people of the organisation.

With a strong foundation in iwi development, Haimona consistently weaves cultural integrity into everyday practice. He is a committed kaimahi, steadfast in serving the kaupapa, supporting our people, and upholding the aspirations of Te Kura Toroa.