The University of Auckland has announced the appointment of Dr Maia Hetaraka and Dr Piata Allen as co-directors of the James Henare Research Centre/Te Whare Rangahau o Himi Henare.
Established by the University in 1992, following hui with Te Tai Tokerau leaders, the James Henare Research Centre was created to advance research by, for and alongside the iwi and communities of the North. It is also dedicated to advancing Māori knowledge across the country.
Dr Hetaraka (Ngāti Wai, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Paoa) is uri (descendant) of Te Tai Tokerau and Head of the University’s Tai Tokerau Campus.
“It is important to me that JHRC returns to the North,” Dr Hetaraka says.
“There is such a vibrant, robust, challenging and innovative mahi happening in Tai Tokerau, being led by the people of Tai Tokerau that needs to be shared. I’m looking forward to JHRC playing a role in that.”
Dr Hetaraka says stepping into this role is like a full circle moment.
“The Hetaraka and Henare whānau are very close, my father and uncle Erima (son of James Hēnare) were like brothers. Our families whakapapa to Hineamaru (Ngāti Hine) and her husband Koperu (Ngāti Wai).”
“There has been a reciprocal relationship between our whānau for generations, cemented by land gifting, knowledge sharing, long remembering and child rearing.
“For me this role is another addition to that whakapapa, it is an opportunity for me to honour the work of our parents, grandparents and tūpuna.”
