Governance and Leadership

Ngā Motu Whakahī is supported by a strong governance structure that ensures both effective daily management and long-term strategic direction.

Guiding the Programme Towards Lasting Impact

Ngā Motu Whakahī is supported by a strong governance structure that ensures both effective daily management and long-term strategic direction. The Management Team and the Steering Committee work together to coordinate activities, maintain oversight, and uphold the programme’s vision of empowering Māori and Pacific research and leadership across the Faculty of Science.

Kannan Ridings

Postdoctoral Fellow

[not currently filled]

Pacific Postgraduate member

Veronica Tone-Graham

Postdoctoral Fellow

Debbie Larkins

Māori Postgraduate member

Ekta Ekta

Programme Administrator

The Management Team: Coordinating Daily Activities and Delivering the Vision

The Management Team oversees the day-to-day operation of Ngā Motu Whakahī, ensuring that each Motu and workplan runs smoothly and in alignment with the programme’s goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Implementing, coordinating and managing initiatives across the Poipoia te kākano, Tairangatia, and Te Painga Ngaru workplans
Overseeing general administration, including:
- Organising meetings and events
- Supporting the Summer Research Programme and Annual Research Symposia
- Managing purchasing, including kōha
- Maintaining a database of programme participants
- Supporting communication and marketing initiatives

The Steering Committee: Providing Strategic Oversight and Guidance

The Steering Committee ensures that Ngā Motu Whakahī maintains strong strategic direction, alignment with Faculty goals, and accountability to its communities.

Core Responsibilities:

Overseeing the Pūtaiao Herenga Waka workplan, including:
- Recruitment and contracting of Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Fellows
- Supporting hosting arrangements with Heads of Department
- Guiding professional development for Research Fellows
Overseeing recruitment of key programme roles such as the Programme Manager and Administrator
Providing strategic guidance across the four Motu portfolios
Chairing four Steering Committee meetings annually, attended by the Management Team
Hosting one annual Talanoa for the Leadership Whānau
Preparing annual reports, workplans, and budgets
Securing and managing programme funding
Providing oversight for:
- The Faculty of Science Outreach Network
- The Annual Research Forum
- Updates to Faculty leadership teams

Jade Le Grice

Associate Dean Māori

[not currently filled]

Faculty of Science Kaiārahi

Sam Manuela

Associate Dean Pacific

Erica Kröger

Academic Services Manager

Jan Lindsay

Associate Dean Research