Maria Ngawati

Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou

Maria Ngawati has always been dedicated to increasing opportunities within her community in several ways. She believes you can achieve change by using many tools and cross-sector relationships. Her mahi currently focuses on supporting access to education, research, and evaluation, what Indigenous economies mean, and how they can be a lever for change.

She has previously trained as a physiotherapist and has worked in tertiary education and health for 20 years, during which she witnessed issues within both systems. She founded Akomaiway Ltd, which helps students of any age and stage access information about educational pathways. This came about due to her frustration with a lack of understanding. Maria is a mother of five, a PhD candidate studying indigenous advancement, and a small business owner.

Maria is a Founding Member at Indigishare, which uses a tikanga approach to help new and existing Māori experts access small loans. Indigishare was created in response to supporting communities through COVID-19 and aims to revitalise the indigenous economy through koha.

She is also the Chief Executive and Founder of AkoMaiWay, a course and qualification finder based on someone's choice of life, job, or career path. The aim is to help everyone navigate Aotearoa's education system, regardless of where they are starting.

Links:

Online mental health support for all

IndigiShare

Paakiwaha Interview | Maria Ngawati

Toitū Te Waiora, the Workforce Development Council – Profile

Hāpai Te Hauora – Profile

IndigiShare - Guest article with Maria Ngawati

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Mara Andrews

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Whakatohea

Mara has many years of experience in Indigenous development across various sectors.

Dr Chellie Spiller

Ngāti Kahungunu

Professor Chellie Spiller is a distinguished academic in leadership at the Waikato Management School and a passionate advocate for Māori

Mahinaarangi Robinson

Ngāti Maniapoto

She supports those who suffer from mental health issues and drug use, helping them to reconnect with themselves, their whānau, culture, and society.

Kim Hinetotorirangi Kaua Whaanga-Kipa

Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Rakai Paaka, Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri

Kim was born and grew up in Rongowhakaata (Gisborne) and had the pleasure of being surrounded by many generations of whānau.