Michelle Hippolite Appointed As Te Papa’s Kaihautü

20 December 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Michelle Hippolite Appointed As Te Papa’s Kaihautü

Te Papa’s Chief Executive, Dr Seddon Bennington, announced today the appointment of Ms Michelle Hippolite (of Ngati Pou – Waikato and Rongowhakaata descent) as Te Papa’s Kaihautü. Ms Hippolite will commence her appointment on 15 February 2008.

Dr Bennington said today that Ms Hippolite brings a wealth of experience to the role.

“Michelle has 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, Mäori Television Electoral College”, Dr Bennington said.

Ms Hippolite will be responsible for the Mäori leadership of Te Papa in partnership, 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 Mätauranga Mäori division, and Te Papa’s national services to the museum sector in New Zealand.

Te Papa is led by the Chief Executive and Kaihautū (Māori leader), who share responsibility for the strategic leadership of Te Papa, including the bicultural development of the organisation.

Ms Hippolite is Te Papa’s third Kaihautü, following artist Cliff Whiting and Te Taru White.

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