Advisor and Thought Leader

IDEAS AND ADVICE

Image by Maarten Holt.

Image by Maarten Holt.

The indigenous Māori dimension of Aotearoa-New Zealand society, culture and economy is full of opportunity and possibility - for Māori and for New Zealand overall. I have worked in a range of organisations and initiatives concerning the possibilities of this ‘indigenous Māori dimension’; and my guiding principle has been “Māori represent a net national opportunity for New Zealand, not a net national problem”. My particular interest is to advance, advocate for and realise the ‘creative potential of Māori people, knowledge, organisations, assets and resources.’ We have much to offer - to ourselves and to the world.

I talk about the opportunities present in the Treaty of Waitangi as much as the obligations that the Treaty represents. Lately, I have been advancing the idea of a ‘indigenously inspired Aotearoa-New Zealand, an indigenously inspired western democracy, one that addresses the obligations and yields the opportunities represented in the Treaty of Waitangi.’ I find these ideas exciting and I explore them through a variety of avenues including:

  • Arts, culture and heritage policy, particularly The Future of Māori Arts at National and Local Levels

  • Advancing Whare Tapere as a distinctive iwi/Māori theatre and performing arts organisation and experience.

  • The Application/Expression of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s cultural and educational institutions and organisations

  • National policy regarding New Zealand’s research, science and technology system and the ‘innovation potential’ of iwi/Māori communities. See Vision Mātauranga.

I serve on a range of committees (mostly voluntary), contribute to, and sometimes lead, various projects initiatives, and offer consultancy services.

See my current activities here.