Rangitāne o Tamaki nui a Rua chief executive Oriana Paewai has been appointed to the Massey University Council by the Minister of Education.
She is one of two new members. The other is Traci Houpapa who was named as a vice chancellor nominated member.
The appointments boost the council's Māori representation to four of the 12 members, alongside council member Tina Wilson and chancellor Michael Ahie, who was also re-elected as Massey University chancellor.
Rangitāne o Tamaki nui a Rua is a large iwi health and social service provider based in Dannevirke. Paewai became involved in the health sector in 2001 when she joined the MidCentral District Health Board public health service as Kaihapai, Toiora Māori (health promotion adviser), where she now serves as deputy chair.
Houpapa specialises in strategic and economic development advice to Māori, iwi, public and private sector clients and is known for her strong and inclusive leadership, with a clear focus on building the wealth and prosperity of Aotearoa New Zealand.