Dr Dan Hikuroa

Dr Dan Hikuroa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngati Mahuta, Ngaati Whanaunga, Pākehā) is the Culture Commissioner of the NZ National Commission for UNESCO - a father, surfer, paddle-boarder, gardener and loves the taiao.

Dan has a PhD in Geology and is currently Associate Professor, Te Wānanga o Waipapa, Māori Studies, at the University of Auckland, where he has also lectured in Anthropology, Geology, Sustainability, Environmental Engineering and Business Studies.

Dan’s expertise is in the areas of Earth Systems, Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and ways of knowing), climate change, natural hazards and rivers and he uses Kaupapa Māori methods in his work with Māori communities to realise dreams and address challenges. He has contributed to community and participatory projects that have included: marine spatial planning; environmental management plans; natural resource use and management; natural hazards, disaster risk reduction, resilience; and industrial waste-site rehabilitation.

He is a member of Pou Herenga, Māori Advisory to the Climate Change Commission, Pūniu River Care Board and has key roles within New Zealand’s Centres of Research Excellence, National Science Challenges and advises national and regional government, communities and philanthropic trusts.