Foundations of Māori Governance
Wednesday 18 November 2026
9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sudima Auckland City
$860 including GST | Limited to 25 participants
Governance in Aotearoa is different.
Our governance environment is shaped by our unique cultural, historical and relational context.
Te Whāriki is a one-day Māori governance course designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of governance through a te ao Māori and Aotearoa lens.
The programme brings together governance knowledge, tikanga Māori, lived experience and contemporary practice to explore what Māori approaches and perspectives can mean for the way we govern.
It is a day to learn, question, reflect, share and consider what this means in practice -whether you’re already sitting around the board table or preparing to take that step.
What will we explore?
Across the day, Te Whāriki will introduce participants to key areas of Māori governance and their relevance within contemporary governance environments.
Together, we will explore:
Māori approaches to governance
Understanding governance through a te ao Māori lens and exploring perspectives that can strengthen contemporary governance practice.
Values, responsibilities and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Considering the values and responsibilities that influence leadership, behaviour and decision-making.
Relationships and context
Exploring the importance of relationships, the wider Māori landscape and meaningful engagement within governance.
Putting it into practice
Considering how the learning can translate into stronger governance practice, boardroom behaviour and decision-making.
The emphasis throughout the day is not simply on understanding these concepts, but on considering:
What do they mean for the way we govern?
Who should attend?
Te Whāriki is for people who want to strengthen their governance capability within the unique context of Aotearoa.
The programme is particularly relevant for:
Current governors and directors
who want to broaden their governance perspective and strengthen their understanding of Māori approaches to governance.
Trustees and board members
across Māori, community, public, private and not-for-profit organisations.
Senior leaders and executives
who work closely with boards, influence organisational strategy or support governance decision-making.
Aspiring and emerging governors
who want to build their capability and confidence before or alongside stepping into governance roles.
You do not need to be Māori, work for a Māori organisation or have prior knowledge of te ao Māori to attend.
If you govern in Aotearoa, Te Whāriki is relevant to you.
Why Te Whāriki?
There are plenty of opportunities to learn the mechanics of governance.
Te Whāriki offers something different.
It creates an opportunity to explore governance within the context of Aotearoa – bringing together te ao Māori, tikanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, relationships and contemporary governance practice.
You won’t spend the day simply listening.
Through wānanga, ako, kōrero, real examples, reflection and practical application, participants will be encouraged to connect the learning back to their own governance environments.
With a cohort limited to 25 participants, there will be space for meaningful discussion, questions, shared learning and connection throughout the day.
What you’ll leave with
By the end of Te Whāriki, our aim is for you to leave with:
A stronger understanding
of Māori approaches and perspectives within governance.
A different lens
through which to consider leadership, relationships and decision-making.
Greater confidence
to engage with Māori governance concepts within your own context.
Practical whakaaro
that you can take back into your board, organisation or governance environment.
Your facilitators
Dr Jim Mather
BBus, MBA, PhD, CA, CFInstD
Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Te Whakatōhea
Lead Facilitator
Jim is passionate about utilising his leadership experience and commercial skills in a way that makes a meaningful contribution to the overall success of our communities.
With business leadership experience spanning 25 years, he is a qualified accountant by profession and led two high-profile Māori organisations over a 14-year period – Māori Television and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Business Trust from 2002 to 2005.
Jim is also a recognised governance leader and is the current chair of Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited and RNZ. He has also chaired Lakes DHB, Tonkin +Taylor, and several not-for-profits. He has a doctorate in Māori economic development and is a former Army Officer. He was awarded the New Zealand Army Sword of Honour.
Te Kowhai Robinson
BA/LLB
Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Wai, Te Waiariki, Ngāti Korora
Support Facilitator
Te Kowhai is a Senior Consultant working across iwi and Māori entities, corporate organisations and the public sector. Her advisory experience spans governance, strategy, Te Tiriti o Waitangi application and Māori capability, including leading and supporting significant engagements for DLA Piper, Genesis Energy, OCS New Zealand, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Ngāti Rangi, Te iwi o Te Roroa and Te Karu o Te Ika Māori Partnership Board.
Alongside her advisory mahi, Te Kowhai is a member of the Institute of Directors, bringing first-hand governance experience as a Chair of History of Aotearoa(HĀ) Charitable Trust, her Hapū Trust Board, and as an Ahu Whenua Trust trustee. With a legal and analytical background and experience spanning corporate, iwi, hapū, government and community environments, she brings a practical and culturally grounded perspective to governance and leadership in Aotearoa.
One day. A different perspective.
Whether you’re already sitting around the board table or preparing to take your place at one, Te Whāriki is an opportunity to strengthen the way you think about governance in Aotearoa.