Professor Te Kahautu Maxwell

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Professor Te Kahautu Maxwell is a senior academic at Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao – the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. Born and raised in Ōpōtiki in the eastern Bay of Plenty, he affiliates primarily to Te Whakatōhea, with whakapapa connections to Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe, and Ngāti Maniapoto.

Professor Te Kahautu Maxwell is a senior academic within Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao – the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato. Born and raised in Ōpōtiki in the eastern Bay of Plenty, he affiliates primarily with Te Whakatōhea and maintains whakapapa ties to several iwi across the motu.

An internationally respected authority in Mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and Māori creative and performing arts—especially Kapa Haka—Professor Maxwell's research and teaching centre on the revitalisation and advancement of Māori knowledge systems, language, and cultural expression. His scholarly contributions include integrating mātauranga Māori with climate change research and western science, and leading kaupapa on Kai Sovereignty, with a specific focus on māra kai, fermented kai practices, and associated tikanga.

Professor Maxwell is a valued leader in both academic and iwi-based governance. He currently serves on the boards of Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea, Te Matatini Society, and Whakatōhea Ōpōtiki Mussels Limited. His previous national appointments include Te Waka Toi, Te Mātāwai, and Paepae Motuhake, the independent panel that reviewed the New Zealand Government’s Te Reo Māori Strategy.

A committed educator and supervisor at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Professor Maxwell supports kaupapa Māori research that enhances Māori educational success, cultural wellbeing, and tino rangatiratanga. His work continues to shape the future of Māori scholarship and community empowerment.