Celebrating a Trans-Tasman Partnership: Māori and Australian First Nations Governance Leaders Unite
Community Governance Aotearoa (CGA) and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) are proud to announce a new trans-Tasman partnership that brings together Indigenous governance leaders from Aotearoa and Australia. This collaboration responds to growing interest in Indigenous-led, culturally legitimate governance and creates a shared platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and strengthening leadership.
Rose Hiha-Agnew, CEO of Community Governance Aotearoa, says:
“We are looking forward to embarking on this shared journey with AIGI, growing our mātauranga, to create a powerful network of Indigenous governance thought leaders who are united in purpose”.
Ragina Rogers, CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, adds:
“This partnership has grown out of a shared commitment to support strong, culturally legitimate Indigenous governance in both Australia and Aotearoa. We know there’s incredible work happening in our communities, and providing a platform where leaders can share these stories will be a powerful tool for advancing Indigenous self-determination across the Tasman”.
Shared Learning, Shared Purpose
The partnership is grounded in a commitment of effective, Indigenous-led governance that reflects the unique contexts, priorities, and strengths of our communities. This partnership, recognises Māori and Australian First Nations peoples bring distinct histories, protocols, governing traditions, and lived experience – and that learning together strengthens both organisations.
Val Price-Beck, Chair of AIGI, says:
“A partnership with Community Governance Aotearoa reflects the importance of Indigenous-led organisations learning alongside one another while remaining grounded in our own cultural traditions, laws, and responsibilities. Building strong, effective, and culturally legitimate governance is long-term work, and this collaboration creates an opportunity to strengthen Indigenous leadership on both sides of the Tasman”.
Hēmi Rolleston, Chair of CGA, adds:
“Indigenous people collaborate naturally, so this partnership makes good sense. We can learn and grow together”.
First Initiative: Indigenous Governance Podcast Series (2026)
As the first initiative under the partnership, CGA and AIGI will launch a trans-Tasman Indigenous Governance Podcast Series in 2026. The series will feature Māori and Australian First Nations leaders, governance practitioners, and experts sharing stories, insights, and reflections on Indigenous governance in practice. The podcast will explore how Indigenous communities are shaping governance for the future by honouring culture, strengthening leadership, and building resilient, thriving communities and, amplifying Indigenous voices and connecting governance experience across Aotearoa and Australia.
About Community Governance Aotearoa (CGA)
CGA inspires and equips not-for-profit organisations in Aotearoa to embed best-practice governance at the board table, guided by kaupapa Māori and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Website: communitygovernance.org.nz
About Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI)
AIGI is an Indigenous-led centre dedicated to advancing governance knowledge and excellence, empowering Australian First Nations peoples through world-class resources and professional development.
Website: www.aigi.org.au
For media enquiries:
Community Governance Aotearoa
info@communitygovernance.org.nz
Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
aigi@aigi.org.au
