Ngaati Maniapoto, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa
Born and raised in the King Country, Luke spent most of his upbringing in Te Ao Paakeehaa. While at university he learnt Te Reo Maaori, and also experienced depression. This inherently placed him on a path of Maaori governance and education.
Luke is currently a Governor and Maaori Consultant working with his iwi and organisation to create a better future for Aotearoa. He currently sits as a generally elected trustee on Te Nehenehenui Trust, the Post Settlement Governance entity for Ngaati Maniapoto, Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto, Te Mana o te Taiao Advisory Group, and the Ngaa Wai o Maniapoto Co-Governance Committee. He is also on the Te Tokanganui Regional Management Committee for Te Piruru Papakainga Marae.
Specialising in youth leadership development, Luke currently works as a Programmes Coordinator at the University of Waikato. He has a keen interest in youth, film, technology and transforming and healing through identity and Te Ao Maaori.