Professor Wiremu Doherty

The Chief Executive Officer of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, he brings extensive leadership experience in education and community development. In 2023, he was appointed to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Board by the Minister of Education.   

He is the Chair of Ngā Kaitūhono at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Chair of Te Pūkenga Rōpū, the Crown Response Unit, where he provides guidance on tikanga in preparation for formal crown apologies to Māori.

He serves on a committee advising the Office of the Auditor General and acts as an expert advisor to the NZ Army assisting the Chief of Army and senior officers in understanding Ngāti Tūmatauenga, as well as to the NZ Police on Māori and firearms reform, and the Rules Committee (Courts) on incorporating tikanga into the Code of Conduct. Previously, he was Chair of the Toi Economic Development Agency and co-chair of the PBRF Sector Reference Group.

His recent work with the New Zealand Law Commission focused on integrating traditional knowledge into state law, while his PhD research highlighted the role of Indigenous knowledge in education. With deep Tūhoe and Ngāti Awa whakapapa, he leads the wānanga in delivering high-quality education both nationally and internationally.

Link to CEO message

Professor Wiremu Doherty

Chief Executive Officer

Qualifications: PhD (Auck), BA (Hons) (Waikato), B.SocSc (Waikato), Dip Teaching (Waikato), OAMLP (Oxford)

Iwi: Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa