Associate Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie
Associate Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie (Ngāti Maniapoto and Te Arawa) is the new Chair of Rauika Māngai, a Māori organisation that advances Mātauranga Māori, accelerates research and positively influences science policy.
Associate Professor Parr-Brownlie, of the Department of Anatomy, was elated to have received the position and took the time to acknowledge the leaders who that came before her.
“Leading a forward-thinking collective such as the Rauika Māngai is a significant role,” Associate Professor Parr-Brownlie says.
“I wish to thank the previous Chair, Dr Jessica Hutchings, and former Deputy Chair, Dr Willy-John Martin, for their tireless commitment to making an impact, particularly in the implementation of the Vision Mātauranga policy,” said Associate Professor Parr-Brownlie.
“We appreciate their strong leadership to make this collective a strong voice for Māori and Mātauranga Māori in the science sector,” she added.
Associate Professor Parr-Brownlie is a researcher who specialises in brain changes associated with Parkinson's disease and chronic pain and she is also the Director of Ageing Well National Science Challenge.
As the new Chair of the organisation, her goal is to amplify the work already done by the previous leadership by creating tools and resources for researchers, recommendations for policy makers, and supporting managers and practitioners to understand and act on their obligations as Te Tiriti partners.
Rauika Māngai's vision is for Māori to be equal partners with the Crown in the next 30 years to determine the priorities and outcomes of the science sector, a system that includes Mātauranga, traditional knowledge, and the knowledge that Māori hold and generate now and in the future.
“Discussing the future dimensions of the science and research sectors is an important kaupapa for Rauika Māngai,” Associate Professor Parr-Brownlie says.
“We have an important perspective from which to help shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand's science sector and are looking forward to contribute our combined knowledge and experiences in a meaningful way.”
“Leading the Rauika Māngai is an honour and a privilege, and I look forward to progressing the goals of our collective so we can continue to make an impact.”