Leading Maori academic Dr Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai has been appointed the first academic director of the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development. Her appointment was announced today by chair of the College board of trustees, John Heremia.

Dr Tiakiwai has had a long association with the vision of the college, working closely alongside Tainuis chief negotiator, the late Sir Robert Mahuta, whose dream was to create a post graduate facility for the tribe. She had also worked closely with Sir Roberts wife, Lady Raiha Mahuta, who was chair of the College trust until her recent death.

Since its completion at Hopuhopu north of Ngaruawahia 10 years ago, the college building, including 48 residential units, has been primarily used for tribal administration. According to Mr Heremia, a $20 million endowment as part of Waikato-Tainuis Waikato River settlement has enabled the tribe to move forward to establish the college as originally intended by Sir Robert.

Late last year a new Trust was established under Ladys Raihas direction to progress the vision of the college to provide opportunities for post graduate study and research.

Dr Tiakiwais connection with the college, known until now under its working title of the Waikato Endowed College, is even more symbolic. It was here in 2002 she received her doctorate from the University of Waikato at a special ceremony attended by the late Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Aatarangikaahu. Hers was the first doctorate awarded from the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust scholarship programme established after raupatu settlement in 1995.

Dr Tiakiwai has a Masters degree with honours in Maori Studies and a Bachelors degree in Maori Studies and English literature, both from the University of Auckland. She has been engaged in diverse roles in the tertiary sector over the past 15 years working in both a university and waananga environment.

For two years she was Associate Professor and Academic Director of the Te Whare Waananga o Awanuiarangi at Whakatane. Since 2008 she has operated her own educational consultancy as well as being involved in a range of national research projects. Of Te Rarawa, Waikato, Ngati Awa and Ngati Pikiao descent, Dr Tiakiwai has already started in her new role.