Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO   16 Aug 2018

16 AUGUST 2018Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO

HON JENNY SALESA

Associate Education Minister Jenny Salesa is pleased to announce appointments to the New Zealand National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (the National Commission).
Professor Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop has been appointed as the Commissioner - Social Sciences for a three year term, replacing Materoa Dodd. She has considerable expertise and mana within the social sciences field, including experience on UNESCO's Social Sciences Sub-Commission and other agencies of the United Nations. She is Auckland University of Technology's inaugural Professor of Pacific Studies.
Dr Carol Mutch has been appointed as the Commissioner – Education for a three year term, replacing Dr Cheryl Stephens. The appointment of Dr Mutch brings a strong education research perspective that is closely aligned to UNESCO's work in nations experiencing rapid change, conflict and trauma. Dr Mutch is an Associate Professor in Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland.
"The two new appointees have great standing in their fields and will draw on their own research and broad knowledge to contribute to the work of the Commission'" said Jenny Salesa.
Dr Arapata Hakiwai has been reappointed as the Commissioner – Culture. Dr Hakiwai's appointment provides a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to the cultural areas of the National Commission's mandate.
"Dr Hakiwai has been an outstanding Commissioner who brings substantial knowledge of the cultural sector, both within New Zealand and internationally."
Jenny Salesa thanked Materoa Dodd and Dr Cheryl Stephens for their services to the National Commission.
"The Commission has benefited significantly from Ms Dodd's and Dr Stephens' experience and expertise," Jenny Salesa said.
The National Commission is the main channel of cooperation between New Zealand and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) which is responsible for promoting cooperative action between member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and human rights) and communication and information.
The National Commission fulfils New Zealand's obligations as a member state, manages New Zealand's relationship with UNESCO, maintains activities in support of the UNESCO mandate and provides advice to Government on UNESCO matters.

Biographical details of the appointees:

Professor Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop
Professor Fairbairn-Dunlop is Auckland University of Technology's inaugural Professor of Pacific Studies, and was previously was the Head of Social Sciences at the University of the South Pacific Alafua School of Agriculture for over a decade. She formerly held posts with the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the United Nations Development Fund in the Pacific. Her board experience includes the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women, the Bioethics Council, the Winston Churchill Trust and the Pacific Conservation Trust.

Dr Carol Mutch
Dr Mutch is an Associate Professor in Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland. Her research focuses on four key themes: education and research and traumatic and sensitive contexts; educational history, policy, pedagogy and curriculum development; educational research and evaluation methods; and social studies and citizenship education.
Dr Mutch has been a visiting fellow in the Department of Social Psychology at the London School of Economics (2014) and Senior Adviser to the Chief Review Officer at the Education Review Office (2007-2011). She has governance experience on external advisory groups relating to education such as the New Zealand Teachers Council Reference Group for the Approval/Re-approval of Initial Teacher Education Programmes (2009) and the Ministry of Education's Teacher Supply Advisory Group (2007).

Dr Arapata Hakiwai
Arapata Hakiwai (Ngati Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Porou, Kati Waewae (Ngai Tahu)) is the current Kaihautu at National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. Dr Hakiwai has worked for the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, for over 15 years. Dr Hakiwai has worked in a number of roles including Exhibitions Concept Developer, Curator and Community Partnerships Manager Maori for National Services. Dr Hakiwai was formerly the manager of Bicultural Operations at Te Papa from 1999-2002 and Director of Matauranga Maori from 2003-2009. He takes an active involvement in his marae and tribal affairs, and is a former council member for the museum membership organisation, Museums Aotearoa
Dr Hakiwai has extensive networks both nationally and internationally throughout the museum sector and in the broader cultural sphere. He is currently leading a world-wide research project to identify and create a global digital database of Taonga Maori and Moriori in museums and galleries. He lectures regularly at Victoria University and has a strong interest in digital/virtual repatriation kaupapa and is well published including being the co-editor of Toi Ora: Ancestral Maori Treasures (2008).

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