Rukumoana Schaafhausen: Leading with vision and tikanga
A firm believer that positive change for a just and prosperous society can be achieved through a collaborative approach to leadership and governance, prominent Māori and community advocate, Rukumoana Schaafhausen MNZM, has been made a Distinguished Alumni
A professional director, currently holding directorships with Contact Energy, Kiwi Group Capital, Alvarium NZ Investments, Miro Limited, Te Waharoa Investments, and the King’s Trust New Zealand, Rukumoana’s influence extends to her roles as Chair of the Office of the Kiingitanga and as a member of advisory committees for the Department of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Notably, she was the first Māori Trustee of the Tindall Foundation in 2018.
I’m keenly aware that the decisions I make today will impact not only my sons but also my mokopuna and I am committed to fostering initiatives that ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for them.
Rukumoana, of Ngāti Hauā, Waikato, left school at the age of 15 to support her whānau. Through growing up on her marae as a young Māori wahine, Rukumoana has developed a deep understanding of her community’s realities.
I appreciate the challenges of limited resources while also cherishing the resilience that comes from overcoming those obstacles. In my governance roles, I aim to be a strong advocate for tribal members and marae by combining my technical skills with my personal journey.
A leader across public and private enterprise, Rukumoana’s Bachelor of Laws which she attained from Te Piringa Faculty of Law in 1996, has contributed to her success in bridging iwi, community, business, and government. It is her desire to see tikanga flourish alongside progress that drives her unwavering dedication to Māori governance, and she’s positive about the future.
What inspires me about the future for Māori wahine leaders in New Zealand is the remarkable young talent emerging from our communities. At our marae, in boardrooms, in Parliament, and within the business sector, I see a new generation that embodies an unapologetic Māori identity, combining confidence with humility that honours the journey of the tupuna and the sacrifices of their kaumātua and pakeke who have laid the foundation for their success.
Made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022 for her services to Māori and the community, Rukumoana says she envisions a future where the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly technological world, while remaining deeply connected to their Māori identity and tikanga.
Rukumoana believes that as AI and technology continue to grow in prominence, it is vital that we design systems prioritising community well-being and sustainability.
Ultimately, my vision is for a future where today’s emerging talent shapes an inclusive and culturally rich society, ensuring that our tikanga flourishes alongside progress. The future is now and I see it unfolding through the incredible potential of our young Māori wahine leaders.
