Te Pārekereke Fellowship Programme
Te Pārekereke is the Seedbed, the place of nurturing, growing and sharing leadership.
Te Pārekereke Fellows are thought leaders and practice leaders for whānau, community and society. And collectively, globally.
The Te Pārekereke Fellows share a passion and commitment for the flourishing of their people and communities and society, underpinned by a deep mātauranga.
They come from diverse communities, iwi, contexts and practices. Yet they share a willingness to expand their own leadership and to help build those around them.
As Fellows they share a commitment to:
Rangahau: a commitment to research-led best practice in a diverse array of leadership practices and contexts
Kōrero: a willingness to share their experiences, insights and wisdom with one another and those who would benefit from their insight
Wānanga: coming together to share, learn and discern ways forward that are life-giving for all
Project: they have a focus for their leadership practice they seek to expand on
Te Pārekereke Fellows
Associate Professor Aroha Harris MNZM - Permanent Fellow
(Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi)
MPhil, PhD (Auckland)
Aroha is a leading Māori historian and researcher whose work spans iwi development, Māori policy, and Treaty settlement. She is a founding member of Te Pouhere Kōrero and co-author of Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History. Aroha served on the Waitangi Tribunal (2008–2023) and brings deep cultural and academic leadership to her role as Permanent Fellow of Te Kākano Leadership Institute.
Hera Clarke - Senior Fellow (2026-2027)
(Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou)
B.Sw.
Hera brings a wealth of experience in Māori advocacy and community development. With a strong background in education and cultural leadership, Clarke has been instrumental in advancing Māori interests across various sectors. Her role in Te Kākano is marked by a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Māori culture, language, and rights. Clarke’s expertise in tikanga Māori and her dedication to fostering positive relationships between Māori and the Crown contribute significantly to the Te Kākano Leadership Institute mission of advocating for Māori at all levels.
Leanne Tamaki - Fellow (2026-2027)
(Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Maniapoto)
MA (UoA)
Leanne is a strategist and storyteller with deep experience in public service, iwi development, and cultural communications. As a former Project Lead at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, she directed nationally significant initiatives that empowered iwi and hapū to retain mātauranga and story sovereignty.