Darrell Lambert (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani and Ngāti Kahungunu) has 25 years of experience in the tertiary education sector across a wide range of functions. He has held a number of senior leadership roles with a strong focus on working with hapū, iwi and industry to improve outcomes for Māori. 

Mr Lambert began his career as a tutor of traditional Māori carving for ten years. Prior to joining Hanga-Aro-Rau, he was the Regional Economic Development Manager for the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Te Taitokerau (Northland). In this role, he worked with hapū, iwi, industry, local and central government to stimulate regional economic development that generated employment and improved well-being indicators for Te Taitokerau. Other roles include Director at NorthTec – Te Pūkenga, Regional Director and Regional Academic Manager at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.