Erina WateneWaikato-Tainui, Ngaati Maniapoto and Ngaai Te Rangi. Erina is happiest hanging out in the awa with her tuna. She is a freshwater scientist with a background in taonga species research, lake and river restoration, resource management and environmental planning. She is experienced in working at the interface between iwi, science and policy. Erina has a strong governance background alongside her active kaitiaki roles. She is currently a Director for Te Wai Māori, several iwi and not-for-profit trust boards.
Kaikoorero
Dr. Tahu KukutaiNgaati Tiipa, Ngaati Kinohaku, Te Aupouri, Ngaati Maahanga. Tahu is a passionate data warrior, who loves a good date scone and a run. As Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Co-Director, Tahu is Professor of Demography at Te Ngira: Institute for Population Research, The University of Waikato where she specialises in Maaori and Indigenous demography and data sovereignty. Tahu is a founding member of the Maaori Data Sovereignty Network Te Mana Raraunga and the Global Indigenous Data Alliance.
Marian RuriWaikato, Raukawa, Ngaai Tuuhoe. Marian moves at the intersection of transformation, technology, taiao, and tuupuna wisdom. She’s a BFT-aholic and is unapologetically committed to her whaanau hauora. As the co-founder of Ko Au Wellness and former GM for the Raukawa Taiao team, she brings a uniquely Maaori lens to reimagining how we live, lead, and look after our world. Her mahi blends cosmology, strategy, and wellbeing, showing that innovation isn’t just digital, it’s also ancestral.
Your Kete
We are extremely lucky to have had some exceptional artists weave your kete especially for this hui. Both local Waikato artists, Mane Stanley and Awatea Newton and whaanau. They harvested the harakeke locally and hand wove your kete, infusing their wairua, karakia and auahatanga into this mahi.
We love to support local paakihi, and if you would like to too...
Mane Stanley - 022 393 7705
Awatea Newton - 027 561 1010
Your Maanuka
We sourced your maanuka locally and trust they will travel home safe with you to take root in your whenua.
