The appointment of a Kaitoko Mātauranga to support the education aspirations of ‘ngā rūnanga me ngā whānau o Arowhenua rāua ko Waihao has been confirmed. The successful candidate for the role as Kaitoko Mātauranga is Irai Weepu, who has whakapapa links to a number of Ngāi Tahu hapū and Papatipu Rūnanga. Irai is currently employed by the Christchurch City Council as its Kaitakawaenga (Māori Community Liaison). He completed an Honors Degree in Māori and indigenous studies, where his research was looking into the Māori perceptions of western science and science education, to better understand and find new insights into why Māori disengage; and how to use these perceptions to increase Māori engagement. Irai is focused on the mātauranga and tikanga of the safe harvesting, preparation and consumption of kaimoana, he also brings significant skills in te reo and kapa haka.