About us

Ingoa: Dr Ruakere Hond

Role: Mātanga Reo

Iwi: Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui

Qualifications:

2014 – PhD in Public Health (Massey)

2001 – Masters in Māori Studies (Awanuiārangi)

1993 – Kura Pouako o Te Ataarangi (Hamilton Polytechnic)

1986 – Teaching Dip Secondary (A.C.E.)

1985 – B.Sc. (Waikato)

For over 30 years Ruakere has worked and taught in Māori language immersion programmes for adult education and in community-based reo development projects working to re-create Māori speaker communities. Much of his activity has been to enhance the use of immersion learning with Te Ataarangi and in revitalising regional language with Te Reo o Taranaki and Kura Whakarauora. His views have helped influence New Zealand’s language revitalisation strategy as a past member of Te Taura Whiri and Te Mātāwai. Currently Ruakere has multiple roles in the community and with research and health organisations while also a sitting member of the Waitangi Tribunal. Within ‘Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori’ he has the position of Mātanga Reo, giving specialist support in content development, programme strategy and in the relationship with Ministry.