July 11, 2013
Māori scholars for Geographic Board
Two Māori scholars have been appointed to the New Zealand Geographic Board and five members reappointed.
The board is responsible for naming places in New Zealand, its offshore islands, the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and undersea features on New Zealand’s continental shelf.
Dr Merata Kawharu from Ngāti Whatua, the director of Auckland University’s James Henare Māori Research Centre, has a background in social anthropology and has worked for UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre in Paris.
Canterbury University Associate Professor Te Maire Tau is a historian and director of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at Canterbury University.
They replace Sir Tipene O’Regan, who has served on the board for 28 years, and Basil Morrison.
Reappointed to the board were Jenni Vernon, David Barnes, Michael Roche, Matanuku Mahuika, and Rikirangi Gage.
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