Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa | Tainui | Tuwharetoa | Kai Tahu | Ngāti Porou 

Tanya and her teams are responsible for Māori cultural capability, better outcomes for Māori and transformative system change at the Sport NZ Group. Te Kāhui Rautaki Māori focuses on Māori cultural capability and cultural vitality, while Hawaiki Hou drives future-focused change. 

Tanya joined Sport NZ in August 2022 and became Group Manager, Te Kāhui Rautaki Māori and Hawaiki Hou in April 2023. She has extensive experience in stakeholder management and leading transformative projects, previously working at Callaghan Innovation as Chief Māori and Government Engagement Officer. 

Tanya holds qualifications in teaching, Te Reo Māori, and information systems, with studies in computer science at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. She has competed in, and coached, various sports at regional and national levels, and currently coaches PIC Netball Club’s Prem 2 development team in Wellington.  

Tanya enjoys supporting rangatahi in sports and guiding her children’s diverse sport activities through to the Te Matatini stage. She also contributes to community projects that foster resilience, wellbeing and connection with whānau.