Kaiarahi role an exciting opportunity

Jody Takimoana, recently appointed Kaiarahi, Māori Development and Kaitohutohu Office, is excited about his new role, which will see him engaging with and supporting a broad range of Otago Polytechnic teams.

“I’m really excited about working in this space with our staff here at Otago Polytechnic.

“I think OP is doing great mahi building cultural capability, but we still need to hold one another accountable. So part of my mahi is about ensuring people are being supported to achieve our objectives within the MSF (Māori Strategic Framework).

“A key part of my role is to help teams align with the six key areas within the Māori Strategic Framework being Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Kā Kaimahi, Te Taumata Angitu Māori, Kai Eke Panuku, Kia Kōtahi Tātou and Te Rakahau Māori.

“Working with Shaun Tahau, Tumuaki: Whakawhanake, we have short-, medium- and long-term goals, but there are areas we have prioritised and which I’m currently working on in the immediate future.

“These include the College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences, as well as People and Culture, Learner Services, and our Cromwell Campus (COT).”

Another important part of Jody’s mahi is working across OP as we transition into Te Pukenga later this year, specifically Te Pai Tawhiti.

“There is still a lot to be done as we build towards January 1, 2023, and the horizons beyond this date.”

Jodym who is of Ngāpuhi whakapapa, was born in Tāmaki-makaurau and raised in various rural towns throughout Aotearoa, including Turangi, Tirau and Ōtepoti.

His philosophy of inclusive decision-making and working with staff and tauira to achieve goals has been a primary focus and built over the years. Before joining Otago Polytechnic, Jody worked at Taieri College as a Physical Education and Health Teacher.

Prior to working in Education, he served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZ Army) as a Physical Trainer, Recruitment Warrant Officer, and Squadron Sergeant Major. Later in his NZ Army career he held various roles in leadership, delivering both physical and health outcomes for Soldiers, Sailors, and Airforce personnel within Defence.

His qualifications include a Diploma in Business, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Major in Management and Coaching), completed through Massey University. He has also recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at Auckland University of Technology. 

Whānau and friends are the most important aspect of Jody's life, and he enjoys spending time with those who are close to him. He has always been involved in rugby, in which he has been involved as a player, trainer and, more recently, as a coach.

Diving is another passion of his – “being in the water when the opportunity arises, hopefully to catch some kai for the table, especially paua!”