Merging tradition and innovation - Annual Report 2024

7 June, 2025

Derek Kawiti's impact through The Drawing Board

Professor Derek Kawiti (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou), an esteemed Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington-based Principal Investigator, has made significant strides in the realm of indigenous innovation and community empowerment. He is the driving force behind the programme The Drawing Board, which airs on Whakaata Māori, showcasing initiatives that blend traditional knowledge with modern problem-solving.

The Drawing Board serves as a platform where emerging Māori thinkers and leaders present their innovative solutions to various challenges, ranging from environmental sustainability to cultural preservation and economic development. The programme not only highlights practical and creative ideas but also fosters discussions that bridge the gap between ancestral wisdom and contemporary needs. Through The Drawing Board, Derek aims to create a space that celebrates Māori ingenuity, encourages collaboration and inspires future generations to explore solutions that are grounded in their heritage while addressing modern realities.

As host of The Drawing Board, he continues to illuminate pathways that merge innovation with tradition, empowering Māori communities to shape their future with confidence and creativity.