Managing Director, RK Associates
Email: raukirikiri@gmail.com
Rauru Kirikiri has a lengthy public service background and extensive Māori and science research networks. He is currently Managing Director of RK Associates Limited, a Wellington-based consultancy specialising in a range of Māori-related services, largely around environmental management, treaty claims and tertiary education.
Among other things, he is an experienced resource consent commissioner and an academic auditor at universities in both New Zealand and Australia. His public service career spanned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (with postings to Washington DC, Suva and London); the State Services Commission; and the Department of Māori Affairs (later to become Te Puni Kōkiri). He holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology from Auckland University, where he lectured in Māori Studies, as well as a Diploma of Teaching.
Rauru has been associated with the University of Otago for some years through his ongoing participation in two research projects, Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai and Tirohia he Huarahi, both led by the Centre for Sustainability. He was also a member of the Executive Management Team for a period. His fluency in all things Māori and a commitment to high-quality research outcomes have been a major driving force in his involvement with our Centre.
He has also served as a member on several committees over the years including Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) committees; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Advisory Committee on External Aid and Development; New Zealand Academic Audit Unit; Australian Universities Quality Agency; Research Committee on Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (Māori Centre for Research Excellence, Auckland University); and Te Ara Pūtaiao Senior Māori Managers Association for Crown Research Institutes.