After receiving an MA in New Zealand History, Dr Delyn Day began learning the Maori language at the University of Otago, New Zealand. For the past two years, she has worked as a policy analyst for Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Maori (the Maori Language Commission).Dr Poia Rewi is Dean of Te Tumu (the School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies) at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. He has been lecturing in the area of Maori and Indigenous studies since 1992, and holds a BSocSci and an MA in Maori from Waikato University, New Zealand, and a PhD in Maori Studies from the University of Otago. His areas of interest include the Maori language, Maori customary practices, and Maori performing arts.Dr Rawinia Higgins is Pro-Vice Chancellor of Maori at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. She has been an academic since 1994, and her interests cover Maori language; policy, status, acquisition, maintenance, identity and rights; Maori customary practices; performing arts and moko; and Maori tribal histories and politics. As a corollary of her academic career experience and research, she has published and presented on a range of topics, as well as being contracted to undertake research projects for the Kohanga Reo National Trust (a national pre-school Maori language immersion initiative) and Te Ataarangi (a national adult Maori language learning programme). Beyond the academic context, she has engaged with Maori stakeholders throughout the country, assisting with local tribal research on asset management and lending advice on academic and social development. She is also a Board member of Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Maori (the Maori Language Commission) and Te Mangai Paho (the Maori Broadcasting Commission).
