Dr Iwi Te Whau Jr

My journey in basketball began when I was 16 years old as a referee. By the age of 18, I had progressed to become a National Basketball Referee. From there, my focus has been on giving back to the game — educating, supporting, and mentoring referees across Aotearoa.

I hold a Ph.D. in Indigenous Knowledge from Melbourne University, supported by Victoria University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Indigenous Leadership from Dunster Business School University. These experiences have shaped how I think about leadership, service, and responsibility to our people.

Today, I serve as the Director of Ara Tika Consultants Ltd and as a Councillor for Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council. I am also involved across a number of local, regional, and national governance forums, contributing where I can to support strong decision-making and better outcomes for our communities.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to service. My goal is to use my experience and knowledge to nurture and grow the basketball community here in Rotorua — creating pathways and opportunities for future generations.

For me, this work is about mokopuna decisions — ensuring that what we do today leaves something meaningful and lasting for those who come after us.