The Auckland Co-Design Lab adopts shared leadership model

True to its resolve to nurture conditions for equity and intergeneration wellbeing, The Auckland Co-Design Lab nestled in Auckland Council’s The Southern Initiative, has a adopted a shared leadership model. Alongside Dr. Penny Hagen as Director Tangata Tiriti, Angie Tangaere (Ngāti Porou) has been appointed to the role of Kaitohu Tangata Whenua. The move is both bold and a ‘no-brainer’ for The Lab. A ‘no brainer’ because shared leadership reflects the Te Tiriti partnership that underpins its work, and bold because it is a new way of operating for teams in Auckland Council.

“The role of Kaitohu Tangata Whenua recognises the leadership, expertise, mātauranga and important perspectives Angie Tangaere brings and has always brought to the work of the Lab. It is also a critical aspect to rightfully acknowledging the importance of tangata whenua leadership and mātauranga Māori in our work and in Aotearoa more broadly” says Penny.

“It names the work to be done for those of us as Tangata Tiriti and reflects on our roles and responsibilities in this mahi as Tangata Tiriti in Aotearoa. Without a shared leadership approach, I don’t think we can be doing this work in a meaningful way”

For Penny, it’s a small but significant milestone in how we work within a Te Tiriti framework.

Central to the work of The Lab is supporting public sector to re-balance the system for equity in Aotearoa and address and recognise the ongoing impacts of colonisation. This new, shared leadership model is a clear way to acknowledge and explore a true partnership between Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti.

“I am excited to work alongside Penny in a co-leadership model that demonstrates how we practically give effect to Te Tiriti. It is an example of how we can activate Te Tiriti partnerships, through an intentional approach to sharing power and control within colonial structures. I want to acknowledge Penny for her work and tenacity in bringing this co-leadership to fruition” says Angie.

“The Kaitohu Tangata Whenua position represents an opportunity to elevate the power of mātauranga Māori to support significant systems change and better outcomes for whanau. It also recognises the rangatiratanga of whānau in leading and implementing responses and supports, that address effects of colonization intergenerational trauma”.

“The increasing inequity in Aotearoa means we need to create alternatives to the status quo; system change can be enabled through indigenous knowledge systems and whānau-led innovation. I look forward to progressing this through my role as Kaitohu Tangata Whenua”.

This is an important and long-time-coming shift in the leadership model of The Lab because it reflects and strengthens the direction of its mahi, which has evolved from a Western starting point to practices and ways of working that acknowledges the history of Aotearoa. It respectfully pays homage to the existing Indigenous knowledge, innovation and leadership that was already here.

The Auckland Co-Design Lab is a learning, innovation and capability-focused initiative that helps to build the capacity and readiness of the public sector to work differently. It is a unique collaboration between local and central government nestled within The Southern Initiative at Auckland Council. The Lab helps to build, model, and promote social infrastructure and ways of working so that whānau and community can lead and have ownership of effective responses to complex issues.