Massey appoints renowned Māori scholar

Professor Cynthia White, Pro Vice-Chancellor Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata, College of Humanities and Social Sciences says, “We are honoured that Professor Mātāmua is joining us in this new role at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi.”

Professor Mātāmua has a long association with Massey and Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata. He gained a Doctor of Philosophy (Māori Studies) in 2007 and was a Research Manager at Te Pūtahi a Toi from 2001–2008.

Professor Huia Jahnke says, “We are delighted that Professor Mātāmua is returning to Te Pūtahi-a-Toi as his appointment will help drive new research, scholarship and endeavour that reaches across the broadest possible span of Mātauranga Māori”.

Acting Head of School Associate Professor Margaret Forster agrees. “His return will see Professor Mātāmua leading the graduate school programme at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi. This will help us meet the increasing demand from Māori students to write in te reo Māori and engage in mātauranga Māori related projects at the Masters and PhD level.”

Professor Mātāmua has a distinguished career, most recently as Professor and Associate Dean Postgraduate, School of Māori and Pacific Development, at the University of Waikato. He is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Prime Minister’s Science Prize, in fields such as Māori Astronomy, Science Communication, Māori Navigation, Indigenous Knowledge and Te Reo Māori. He is a Fellow of the Te Apārangi, Royal Society of New Zealand.

Professor Mātāmua is internationally known and respected for his accomplishments as a pioneering innovator and leader across both Mātauranga Māori and multiple interfaces with the Sciences. He is perhaps most widely known for his contribution to advancing public knowledge and awareness of Matariki.

Professor Mātāmua took up his new role as Professor, Mātauranga Māori, Te Pūtahi-a-Toi on 1 September.