Michelle Hippolite (Ngati Pou – Waikato and Rongowhakaata) will commence her role as Te Papa’s Kaihautū (Māori leader), with a pōwhiri on Te Papa’s Marae at 9am on Friday 15 February. Media are welcome to attend.
Ms Hippolite will bring a wealth of experience to the role, having a strong background in senior policy roles within government, including as Policy Advisor and Acting Policy Director in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. More recently Michelle has been a Principal Advisor in the Office of Treaty Settlements, and a Senior Advisor to Te Putahi Paho, Maori Television Electoral College.
Ms Hippolite will be responsible for the Māori leadership of Te Papa, in particular in developing Te Papa’s bicultural strengths, and will lead the process of developing and enhancing iwi relationships. She will also be responsible for overseeing the Karanga Aotearoa repatriation programme, care of Rongomaraeroa (Te Papa’s marae), the Mātauranga Māori division, and Te Papa’s national services to the museum sector in New Zealand.
Te Papa is led by the Chief Executive and Kaihautū who share responsibility for the strategic leadership of Te Papa, including the bicultural development of the organisation.
Ms Hippolite is Te Papa’s third Kaihautū, following artist Cliff Whiting (ONZ) and Te Taru White.
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