DR ALISHIA RANGIWHAKAWAITAU MOEAHU MNZM MInstD

Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Māhuta, Ngāti Hikaairo,Ngāti Paoa, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou.

Dr Alishia Moeahu has an extensive background in education, spanning over 25 years in Kohanga Reo, Early Childhood Education, Primary Schools, and Kura Kaupapa Māori. As a retired kaiako, she remains deeply passionate about Mātauranga Māori and the revitalisation and sustainability of te reo Māori me ōnā tikanga.

In 2024, Alishia & her husband Kura Moeahu attended and completed an Institute of Directors Company Directors Course with a unique international experience. Set in Rarotonga, this location provided a cultural and networking opportunity in the Cook Islands.

Alishia and her husband Kura also work in the Māori Cultural Advisory space. Together, they are a formidable duo, often seen leading functions and delegations across the Wellington region, within Parliament, and at local, regional, national, and international events. They recently supported the cultural space at the Crown Apology to ngā morehu of abuse in care and the pōhiri for the Hikoi mō te Tiriti at Parliament. Alishia is also firmly committed to the long-term wellbeing and sustainability of her iwi, serving as the Chair of Ngāti Awa ki Te Whanganui ā Tara.

Her ‘moko kauae’ symbolises her profound connection to her tūpuna, her present responsibilities, and her aspirations for future generations, including her children and mokopuna. It is a proud emblem of her identity, serving as a physical reminder of her dedication to preserving traditional knowledge.