Mereana will outline the journey of Te Wānanga o Raukawa, a product of the iwi development experiment known as Whakatupuranga Rua Mano. Recently, Te Wānanga o Raukawa was successful in achieving non-Crown entity status. This has resulted in its ultimate legislated authority being returned to its founding iwi. The new organisational structure and bespoke governance arrangements accommodate this change and give expression to tino rangatiratanga.

Dr Mereana Selby (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou) is the Tumuaki of Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Her work has centred on kaupapa Māori education, te reo Māori revitalisation, iwi development, and the transmission of mātauranga Māori. Over many years, she has contributed to the growth of Māori-led educational initiatives that support the aspirations of whānau, hapū, and iwi and strengthen pathways for future generations.