Deputy Director Māori appointed

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Linda Faulkner as Manahautū (Deputy Director Māori) for the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge.

This new role highlights our commitment to partnership. Linda will work alongside Challenge Director, Dr Julie Hall, and the Challenge Leadership Team to ensure Treaty of Waitangi principles and Vision Mātauranga policy are embedded throughout Sustainable Seas Phase II research.

Linda will primarily focus on research activities and outcomes that are relevant and important to Māori and therefore for Aotearoa New Zealand.  She will manage and support communication, engagement and relationship initiatives, as well as research and other outputs and outcomes that specifically enable and empower iwi, hapū, Māori organisations and communities.

Linda is of Ngāti Rangi and Whanganui descent and has worked for many years in the environmental management sector with a focus on the interface between science and mātauranga Māori. She is currently the Director of Tūtaiao Limited, a private consultancy focusing on people, policy and planning.

Previously, as General Manager Māori for the Environmental Protection Authority, Linda established a team and network of iwi resource managers whose work informed environmental, cultural and risk assessment and management decision making.  She has also been associated with the research sector in New Zealand for many years including as assessor and Chair for several MBIE science investment and review panels.