Toi Ohomai to Sponsor New Māori Director Award

Tauranga Moana Māori who are passionate about fulfilling iwi aspirations are now able to apply for a new award to foster the dedication of good governance. 

The Institute of Directors (IoD) in partnership with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and Miro Berries, have created the Emerging Māori Director Award, Te Moana a Toi - Kaitohu-Taura 2022. 

The focus of this award is to identify individuals with potential, and to foster the dedication of good governance through the attainment of practical and theoretical knowledge, in addition to creating opportunities for future governance growth to support Māori. 

For 2022, this award is specific to Te Moana a Toi region, driven by the Bay of Plenty branch of the IoD. 

Whaimutu Dewes (CFInstD Ngati Porou, Ngati Rangitihi) says last year, the Bay of Plenty branch of the IoD approached the Miro Berries Board to see if they may be interested in being a potential placement board for the winner.  

“The board said they were keen to support governance in the region, but would like to do so by supporting Māori rangatahi in Te Moana a Toi. We jumped at the idea to create a separate award for Māori rangatahi, and through much planning, consideration and connection, Te Moana a Toi - Kaitohu-Taura was created.” 

Whaimutu says the IoD reached out to Toi Ohomai to sponsor the award, as the then Bay of Plenty Branch Manager was studying Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau (Māori Governance) at the institute. 

“So, with her understanding of the Toi Ohomai commitment to good governance practice, it seemed a natural fit.” 

Toi Ohomai Executive Director Partnerships, Māori Success and Academic Excellence Huia Haeata says many Māori organisations, particularly those with responsibilities for collective assets, have to balance being financially viable with social and cultural aspirations against a horizon that looks towards future generations.

"In this regard, it is imperative that they have access to highly competent governors, managers, team leaders, mentors and staff at all levels with the expertise to apply a Te Ao Māori lens to their respective roles." 

She says the Institute is thrilled to be able to partner with the Institute of Directors and Miro Berries for the establishment of this award. 

“Good Māori governance leverages the professional, ethical, social and Te Ao Māori capability of governors to maximise the opportunity to advance the collective aspirations of whānau, hapū, iwi and communities. We are excited to celebrate and support those working in this space.”

Applications for this award are open to all, not just existing IoD members. The winner will receive complimentary membership of the IoD for 12 months, as well as attendance at branch functions, mentoring with an experienced director and a 12-month Aspiring Director placement on the boards of Miro Berries and the IoD Bay of Plenty Branch Committee.

Ko te mana e kai ana I te miro nōnā te ngahere, ko te manu e kai ana I te mātauranga nōnā te ao. 

The bird who eats from the miro tree owns the forest, the bird who eats the tree of knowledge will gain the world.

For more information and to apply, visit the Institute of Directors website.