Paora Ammunson joins Massey as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori

Mr Ammunson is taking over from Professor Meihana Durie who departed last month after four years in the role, and nearly eight years at Massey.

Mr Ammunson’s most recent position was as the Deputy Chief Executive at Te Pūkenga where he was responsible for Academic Quality, Digital and Information Technology, International, Learner Success and Student Services, Research and Tiriti Outcomes.

Prior to Te Pūkenga, he worked at the Tertiary Education Commission.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says Mr Ammunson’s extensive experience in the tertiary sector, along with local government involvement, equips him well to step into this leadership role.

“Paora was a natural first choice to fill this interim role. Not only is he well versed in the tertiary sector, he has a wealth of experience in tribal, government, farming, sporting and commercial bodies.”

Mr Ammunson says it's an honour to be given this opportunity. "In this role I am humbled to join a powerhouse of matauranga Māori academics, tauira success advocates, Tiriti thought leaders, iwi and Māori industry experts and leaders. I see my role as working with my leadership colleagues to ensure they have everything they need to continue doing what they do best.” 

Professor Thomas also thanked Professor Durie for his dedicated service to the university.

“Under Professor Durie’s leadership, we have seen the establishment of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy, the Kaiārahi Tiriti mentoring programme, the Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau Tiriti leadership group and the opening of our university marae Te Rau Karamū, among other things.

“The Durie whānau has a long association with Massey University, and Professor Durie will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his new role.”

As Mr Ammunson is an interim appointment, the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori will be formally advertised before the end of the year.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori is responsible for Massey’s relationships with local mana whenua, iwi and hapū, and has close links with Māori staff and students. They also play a leading role in supporting the university to honour te Tiriti o Waitangi and in all areas of te ao Māori.