Sacha McMeeking

Head of School, School of Maori and Indigenous Studies – University of Caterbury

Iwi, Māori and indigenous development is a passion of Sacha McMeeking. She is currently a Senior Lecturer and the Head of School, Aotahi, the Department of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Canterbury.

Having graduated with a Masters in Law with First Class Honours, Sacha lectured at the University of Canterbury, before becoming New Zealand’s inaugural Fulbright Harkness Fellow for emerging and established leaders in 2010.  It was during her fellowship that Sacha developed tradition based values commercial decision making tools for Iwi and Māori.

A former General Manager of Strategy and Influence at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Sacha was responsible for significant inter-Iwi initiatives, including commercial partnerships as well as landmark policy outcomes that reflect post-Settlement Treaty partnership.

Sacha has held various board appointments including a Ministerial appointment to Te Ture Whenua Māori (Māori land law) reform, the Ngāi Tahu representative to the UC Council, a trusteeship of the Hilary Institute of International Leadership. Her passion, knowledge and skills have made her a valuable member of several Ministerial advisory groups on Resource Management Act, constitutional issues and foreshore and seabed.