Te Mana Whakahaere is the council that oversees Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Members of Te Mana Whakahaere are appointed for their ability to help Te Wānanga o Aotearoa fulfil its mission in alignment with the requirements of the Education Act 1989.
The council consists of nine members. Three members are appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education. Six are appointed by Te Mana Whakahaere in accordance with the Direct Appointment of Members to Te Mana Whakahaere Statute 2015, as amended or replaced from time to time.