As Matariki approaches, and we anticipate new beginnings, it is also time to reflect on key moments over the past year and the people who helped shape them. While Matariki is a time for renewal and remembrance, this year it is a tohu for change occurring within NPM with the departure of my fellow Pou Matarua Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Tūhoe).
Waimarie joined NPM and Waipapa Taumata Rau in 2017, following a hugely successful career at the University of Waikato where she built the internationally-renowned Māori and Psychology Research Unit. With Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru, Waimarie led the successful re-bid for NPM to continue as a Centre of Research Excellence in its current form. To all who know her, Waimarie is a wahine of enormous wisdom, kaha, authenticity and creativity - with a good dash of wicked humour. She has huge love for our people and an unwavering dedication to advancing excellent research that makes a real difference. She also leads a mean conga line! (see below). We will miss Waimarie deeply but are grateful that she will continue to be connected to NPM through our ‘Promising Futures’ research programme. Watch this space.
While Matariki starts its rise, Professor Melinda Webber (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue) steps into the host Pou Matarua role. An award-winning researcher with a long track record of contributing to Māori educational success, Melinda brings new strengths and connections to NPM and I am excited to work alongside her in the coming years.
Transition is also in the wind at Kanapu, with pouhere Vanessa Clark stepping down to pursue her moemoeā of undertaking te reo immersion. It is wonderful to let Vanessa go, knowing she is moving into something so special. Vanessa has led tirelessly from the front to establish Kanapu and to build a suite of offerings to support community-led research, science and innovation. You can read more about Vanessa and her successor, the legendary Dr Poia Rewi, later in this e-panui.
Finally, we also welcome on board Dr Daniel Wison (Ngāpuhi) who succeeds Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan as our new Pou Pae Auaha, leading our Te Ao Māori data and technology portfolio. As the ‘OG’ Māori computer scientist, Te Taka brought a wealth of experience to the Pou Pae Auaha role and his energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. With a background in philosophy, data ethics and computer science, Dan will bring new perspectives to this fast-growing area. You can read more about Dan in this e-Panui.
We salute the wonderful leaders who have dedicated themselves to our shared vision of flourishing Māori futures and embrace our new leaders who will help shape the next phase of our mahi.
Mānawatia a Matariki!!
Waimarie joined NPM and Waipapa Taumata Rau in 2017, following a hugely successful career at the University of Waikato where she built the internationally-renowned Māori and Psychology Research Unit. With Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru, Waimarie led the successful re-bid for NPM to continue as a Centre of Research Excellence in its current form. To all who know her, Waimarie is a wahine of enormous wisdom, kaha, authenticity and creativity - with a good dash of wicked humour. She has huge love for our people and an unwavering dedication to advancing excellent research that makes a real difference. She also leads a mean conga line! (see below). We will miss Waimarie deeply but are grateful that she will continue to be connected to NPM through our ‘Promising Futures’ research programme. Watch this space.
While Matariki starts its rise, Professor Melinda Webber (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue) steps into the host Pou Matarua role. An award-winning researcher with a long track record of contributing to Māori educational success, Melinda brings new strengths and connections to NPM and I am excited to work alongside her in the coming years.
Transition is also in the wind at Kanapu, with pouhere Vanessa Clark stepping down to pursue her moemoeā of undertaking te reo immersion. It is wonderful to let Vanessa go, knowing she is moving into something so special. Vanessa has led tirelessly from the front to establish Kanapu and to build a suite of offerings to support community-led research, science and innovation. You can read more about Vanessa and her successor, the legendary Dr Poia Rewi, later in this e-panui.
Finally, we also welcome on board Dr Daniel Wison (Ngāpuhi) who succeeds Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan as our new Pou Pae Auaha, leading our Te Ao Māori data and technology portfolio. As the ‘OG’ Māori computer scientist, Te Taka brought a wealth of experience to the Pou Pae Auaha role and his energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. With a background in philosophy, data ethics and computer science, Dan will bring new perspectives to this fast-growing area. You can read more about Dan in this e-Panui.
We salute the wonderful leaders who have dedicated themselves to our shared vision of flourishing Māori futures and embrace our new leaders who will help shape the next phase of our mahi.
Mānawatia a Matariki!!
Ngā Pou Matarua | Co-Directors
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Professor Tahu Kukutai
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NPM E-PĀNUI HARATUA | MAY 2025
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