December 21, 2022
UniServices to bring tikanga Māori lens
The University of Auckland’s research commercialisation company UniServices wants to bring a Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori lens to its activities.
It’s appointed Tama Davis and Bernie O’Donnell to share the role of Poutaki Mātauranga Māori to work on the design and delivery of its services.
Mr Davis, a member of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board, has a background in governance of large health organisations, while Mr O’Donnell, the chair of Manukau Urban Māori Authority, brings an urban Māori perspective.
Mr O’Donnell says with the adoption by the university of its Māori name Waipapa Taumata Rau, UniServices is also looking to bring a Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity focus.
It’s aware of the challenges that will bring.
“I’m always a bit dubious about traditional mainstream institutions that all of a sudden pivot and say look, we are now going to embrace te ao Māori. That’s very good but you also have to understand you have to convince our people what you are doing is authentic what you are doing is genuine and you are not trying to be Māori, you’re just trying to be an organisation that is trying to find a place to fit,” Mr O’Donnell says.
He’s keen to increase the visibility and influence of Māori across all levels of the organisation.