Welcome from our Kaiārahi

Tēnā koutou katoa, 

The main purpose of the Kaiārahi position at Te Whare Pūtaiao, The Faculty of Science, is to drive Māori strategic initiatives in collaboration with the executive leadership team and the Dean. 

As part of the Māori governance function, I work closely with all Kaiārahi across the University under the guidance of the Pro Vice Chancellor Māori Office, to enable our divisons to enact University-wide strategies such as Toitū Waipapa, Taumata Teitei and Kawea Ake. This helps to foster mana motuhake (self-determination) and the achievement of equitable outcomes. It also enables responsiveness to Māori staff, students and research.

I also lead a team of co-ordinators and mentors across the faculty to amplify Tuākana Science. This learning community supports Māori and Pasifika tauira with academic mentoring, guidance and spaces for connection both inside and outside the classroom. With a customised approach offered by each of the ten schools and departments, Tuākana provides a vehicle for engaged students to thrive.

Finally, we are about to launch 'Arorangi' - the Chief Science Advisory Board (Māori) – which is a collective of ten Māori Scientists from the University to connect, inspire and drive impactful research opportunities. This group meets quarterly and we invite applications from all researchers to submit proposals that require support or guidance.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of my mahi, I welcome the opportunity to connect.

Ngā mihi nui,

Tui Kaumoana Steedman
(Waikato, Ngāti Maniapoto)