Tēnā koutou me ngā tini āhuatanga o te wā.

We are happy to announce Darrell Lambert as the Poumatua for the Hanga-Aro-Rau ohu mahi.

Darrell’s iwi affiliations are with Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani and Ngāti Kahungunu. He was born and grew up in Wainuiomata, Wellington.

Darrell is currently the Regional Economic Development Manager for the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Te Taitokerau (Northland). He works with hapū/iwi, industry and local/central government to stimulate regional economic development that generates employment and improves wellbeing indicators for Te Taitokerau. He has been with MSD for two years.

He has 25 years of experience in the tertiary sector and has held a number of senior leadership roles responsible for improving outcomes for Māori. He was a Director at NorthTec (Northland Polytechnic) before moving to MSD. He was with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for 15 years and the Open Polytechnic in Wellington before that.

Darrell’s career started when he was a tutor of traditional Māori carving for ten years. He lives in Whangārei with his partner Hayley, and they both love fishing. He has two daughters and three grandchildren.

“I’m excited by the changes in the vocational education sector, especially the desire to transform the system and to help Māori be successful as Māori. I’m looking forward to working with the Hanga-Aro-Rau whānau and iwi and industry across the country. Ki te hoe!”

Darrell’s first day with Hanga-Aro-Rau is Monday 17 January 2022.

Hanga-Aro-Rau’s new Poumatua, Darrell Lambert.