Dr Reuben Collier

An award-winning producer, Indigenous scholar and academic leader, Dr Collier has dedicated more than three decades to advancing mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. His work spans kaupapa Māori scholarship, documentary practice, doctoral education and the protection of Māori histories for future generations. 

The honour reflects a career of service across tertiary education, Māori broadcasting and Indigenous research, alongside a deep commitment to strengthening Māori knowledge systems in Aotearoa. 

Dr Collier says the recognition acknowledges the enduring value of mātauranga Māori and its influence across education. 

“This honour recognises the value and importance of our educational practices, our knowledge systems and the many ways mātauranga Māori continues to shape teaching, research and student success,” Dr Collier said. 

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Collier highlights the breadth of his experience across education and creative practice. 

“It also acknowledges more than three decades of sustained service to te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and education, from my early years as a lecturer at the University of Waikato through to my current work with the School of Indigenous Graduate Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, where I lead creative scholarship through doctoral supervision.” 

Across his career, Dr Collier has created, directed and contributed to a significant body of documentary, educational and archival work. Many of these works are now preserved in national and international archives, forming an important record of Māori knowledge, oral history, language and identity for future generations. 

At Awanuiārangi, his work continues to strengthen Māori research practice, grounded in lived experience, oral history, visual storytelling and tikanga Māori.