In the newly created role of Pou Arataki – Director Māori, Proffit now sits on the WSP New Zealand leadership team and leads the execution of WSP’s Rautaki Māori (Māori Strategy).
“This strategy represents the legacy of generations of Māori staff at WSP. Their passion and commitment to working with Māori and kaupapa Māori within the business has been the supporting pou (pillar) of this strategy” says Proffit.
The Rautaki provides strategic direction on how WSP will integrate Te Ao Māori, including Te Reo Māori, into its organisation and the work it produces, and how it will work with Māori to support them to achieve their aspirations.
Profitt also comments that, “WSP has been part of Aotearoa for over 150 years and in that time has worked closely with Māori to enhance environments and infrastructure. But there is more we can do and this Rautaki sets the direction and our underlying commitment to do this.”
Pihama takes on the role of Pou Whanake – Technical Director, to strengthen Māori cultural competencies with employees, increase WSP’s Māori engagement capability, and continue to build a working environment that is attractive and respectful to Māori.
“It’s important that we focus on building an internal culture that further reflects and respects Te Ao Māori so that our mahi with Māori is authentic and always respectful,” notes Pihama.
Ian Blair, Managing Director WSP in New Zealand, says, “These two appointments will boost leadership capability and mana amongst WSP and ensure our business decisions honour Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori at every step.”
For more information:
Reginald Proffit
Pou Arataki (Director - Māori)
[email protected]
027 635 3800
Kumeroa Pihama
Pou Whanake (Technical Director – Māori)
[email protected]
027 280 4794
