Te Wānanga o Raukawa has announced the historic appointment of Professor Meihana Durie (Rangitāne; Ngāti Kauwhata; Ngāti Porou; Rongo Whakaata; Ngāi Tahu) as its new Tumuaki (Chief Executive).
Meihana is a distinguished alumnus and former staff member of Te Wānanga o Raukawa, has been closely connected with the institution for almost 25 years.
Over the years, he has held influential roles, including Pūkenga Reo, Pūkenga Matua, and Kaihautū, and played a key part in developing the innovative Ngā Purapura facility in 2012.
His contributions to academic programmes such as Poutuarongo Kawa Oranga and Poupou Pakari Tinana have left a lasting legacy.
In addition to his work at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Meihana brings extensive academic and leadership experience. He holds a Masters in Te Reo Māori from the institution, along with a Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) and a Bachelor of Education from Massey University.
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Māori at Massey University, he spearheaded initiatives to enhance Māori student success, research, and teaching while fostering stronger Mana Whenua Iwi partnerships.
His achievements extend beyond academia. In 2023, Meihana was appointed as one of four Pou Tikanga for the Waitangi Tribunal Constitutional Inquiry and contributed to Ngāti Kauwhata’s submission in the Porirua ki Manawatū District Inquiry.
His leadership experience includes his roles as Chair of Manukura, a Tahuriwakanui-led high-performance secondary school, and active engagement with Mana Tamariki Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa for more than 20 years.
Te Amokapua Robin Hapi said Meihana’s visionary leadership and connection to the kaupapa made him the right choice.
“We are delighted to welcome Meihana as Tumuaki. His deep-rooted connection to Te Wānanga o Raukawa, along with his visionary leadership, makes him the ideal person to lead the institution into its next phase of growth,” said Hapi.
As Tumuaki, Meihana has committed to continuing Te Wānanga o Raukawa’s kaupapa Māori approach to education and deepening its impact on Māori communities.
He says he aims to uphold the cultural integrity and academic success of Māori students while strengthening the institution’s relationships with iwi, hapū, and whānau across Aotearoa.
Meihana’s appointment, made by the Te Mana Whakahaere Board and chaired by Te Amokapua Robin Hapi CNZM, takes effect in February.
