Dr Greg Murison (KÄi Tahu, KÄti MÄmoe, Waitaha) has been appointed to the newly combined leadership role of Chief Executive Officer of ŠÓ°ÉAPP and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Enterprise) at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
His dual role unites the leadership of the Universityās commercialisation company with strategic oversight of innovation and enterprise activity across the institution. With deep roots in research, community, and leadership, Greg is well placed to guide the Universityās efforts to create positive impact through innovation.
To mark the occasion, the University held a pÅwhiri at Waipapa Marae, attended by whÄnau, friends, and colleagues from across the University and UniServices. Guests were welcomed onto the marae with a traditional karanga before gathering inside the wharenui, Tane-nui-a-Rangi.
Speakers included Dion Peita, Michael Steedman, Tama Davis, members of Gregās whÄnau - wife Sara-Jane, daughter Isabella, and sister Lesley - and Professor John Fraser, speaking on behalf of the UniServices Board.
In his address, Greg acknowledged the mana whenua, NgÄti WhÄtua ÅrÄkei, and the significance of Tane-nui-a-Rangi, his favourite place on campus. He paid tribute to his whÄnau, both personal and professional, saying:
āI have whÄnau on both sides of the whare ā my family, and my work whÄnau. Iām very lucky to have everyone here to acknowledge and support my transition into these new roles. I know I couldnāt take on this mahi without the support I receive from both sides.ā
He also spoke movingly of the kÄkahu (cloak) he wore ā a whÄnau taonga ā and the framed photos of tÅ«puna brought by his sisters, which symbolised the support of generations past.
Gregās wife, Sara-Jane, reflected on his deep alignment with the Universityās values of respect, integrity, excellence, and service, and its Te Ao MÄori principles of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga ā principles she said are evident in Gregās leadership, home life, and personal character.
āGreg role models utmost respect and integrity to us all, and it is Greg we turn to ā whether weāre celebrating a success or grappling with a challenge.ā
Professor John Fraser, Dean of Medical and Health Sciences and long-time colleague, described Greg as āknowledgeable and experienced, personable, thoughtful, totally unflappable and a good listener.ā
āThe appointment of Greg was unanimously supported by the UniServices Board. We are confident in the strengths and leadership experience he brings to this important role.ā
The pÅwhiri closed with a message that resonated deeply with those gathered. In the words of Sara-Jane, quoting the whakataukÄ«:
āKi te kotahi te kÄkaho, ka whati; ki te kÄpuia, e kore e whati.ā
āWhen we stand alone, we are vulnerable; but together, we are unbreakable.ā