The IWC Committee

Committee Member

Dr Nicole "Nikki" Penetito-Hemara (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou) is a Māori leader and educator. Born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland, she is a proud Māmā of four. Nikki is a researcher, disruptor of systems that don’t work for Māori, tākaro practitioner, strategist, and advocate for indigenous-led social change.

Nikki holds a PhD focused on reclaiming and reindigenising Māori cultural practices that enhance hauora (well-being). As Managing Director of Kori Collaborative and a consultant for Oi Collective, she leads initiatives that advance kaupapa Māori across Aotearoa. She also serves as an independent advisor on several national steering groups and panels.

Through her leadership, she is committed to strengthening Māori education and well-being outcomes, advocating for the revitalisation of indigenous practices, and driving systemic change across Aotearoa.