📋 Tender Overview
Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the reappointment of Dr Jeremy Tatere MacLeod as Deputy Chair and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM as a Board member of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori.
The appointments are for a three-year term commencing on 2 September 2026 and provide continuity for Te Taura Whiri as it continues its work to revitalize and promote the Maori language.
These reappointments ensure Te Taura Whiri continues to benefit from experienced leadership and strong governance, Mr Potaka says.
Dr Jeremy Tatere MacLeod and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand each bring extensive experience, deep knowledge and a longstanding commitment to the revitalization of te reo Maori.
Their continued leadership will help Te Taura Whiri build on its important work to grow, promote and normalize the use of te reo Maori across Aotearoa.
I thank Jeremy and Jennifer for their ongoing service and their continued commitment to strengthening the Maori language.
Notes to editor
Dr Jeremy Tatere MacLeod Ngati Kahungunu
Dr MacLeod has served on the Board of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori since 2019 and will continue as Deputy Chair for the remainder of his term.
He brings more than 15 years experience in governance and Maori language revitalization across iwi, community and private sectors. An award-winning language expert, cultural advisor and graduate of Te Panekiretanga o te Reo, Dr MacLeod leads Ngati Kahungunus intergenerational language revitalization strategy, Kahungunu, Kia Eke!
Jennifer Te Amira Ward-Lealand CNZM
Ms Ward-Lealand is an acclaimed theatre, film and television actor, director and long-time advocate for the Maori language. She has championed the language since 2008 and was gifted the name Te Atamira by Ta Timoti Karetu and the late Professor Te Wharehuia Milroy in 2017.
She has extensive governance experience, including as a founding Board member of Watershed Theater and co-founder of The Actors Programme. She was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year Honors for services to film, theatre, and television.
