Professional Skills

Leadership & Strategy Development

I have proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and bicultural development programmes, from planning to execution, ensuring alignment with governance, community and organisational goals.

Māori Community Engagement

I am able to develop trust and relationships with Mana Whenua – iwi, hapū, and whānau.   I have been involved in this across a number of spaces in the Tainui rohe in particular.

Te Reo Māori

I am a fluent in use of Te Reo Māori and am able to engage in high-level discussions and formal settings, both in Māori and in English.  I am also a developer of tools and resources for organisations in using Te Reo Māori, tikanga and in co-designing vision and values with organisations from a bicultural and bilingual perspective.

Leadership and Team building

I have proven ability to employ and grow teams to create success.  I have coached and mentored staff, other leaders and principals. I have led and supported a large number of personnel appointments at school, across schools and in the education sector.  

Cultural Competence

I have a deep knowledge and leadership within our network and across school networks of Te Reo Māori, te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and the application of these principles in strategic and operational, day to day contexts of the school or organisation. 

Strategic Advice & Consultation

I am skilled in offering strategic advice to senior leaders ensuring that a bicultural focus is evident. I can readily integrate Māori, Western or a blend of these perspectives in decision-making processes. 

“ Nga mihi Anaru.

You have such a huge breadth, and wealth of knowledge, and you are always willing to gift and share this with such conviction and passion (which we need and appreciate).

You are one of the most authentic people I have met, and I am extremely proud to work and learn alongside you.”

— Teena Johnson, Principal, 2024

“ You spoke about the growth of principals in their confidence to share their pepeha, mihi etc., in our wānanga - this is because of you and how you challenged them. I believe that it is because of your approach, that kaiako and principals feel safe and competent to speak te reo and have a go and for that, I congratulate you”

— Steph, Principal 2023