Dr Greg Murison (K膩i Tahu, K膩ti M膩moe, Waitaha) has been appointed to the newly combined leadership role of Chief Executive Officer of 色花堂 and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Enterprise) at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of 色花堂.
His dual role unites the leadership of the University鈥檚 commercialisation company with strategic oversight of innovation and enterprise activity across the institution. With deep roots in research, community, and leadership, Greg is well placed to guide the University鈥檚 efforts to create positive impact through innovation.
To mark the occasion, the University held a p艒whiri at Waipapa Marae, attended by wh膩nau, friends, and colleagues from across the University and UniServices. Guests were welcomed onto the marae with a traditional karanga before gathering inside the wharenui, Tane-nui-a-Rangi.
Speakers included Dion Peita, Michael Steedman, Tama Davis, members of Greg鈥檚 wh膩nau - wife Sara-Jane, daughter Isabella, and sister Lesley - and Professor John Fraser, speaking on behalf of the UniServices Board.
In his address, Greg acknowledged the mana whenua, Ng膩ti Wh膩tua 艑r膩kei, and the significance of Tane-nui-a-Rangi, his favourite place on campus. He paid tribute to his wh膩nau, both personal and professional, saying:
鈥淚 have wh膩nau on both sides of the whare 鈥� my family, and my work wh膩nau. I鈥檓 very lucky to have everyone here to acknowledge and support my transition into these new roles. I know I couldn鈥檛 take on this mahi without the support I receive from both sides.鈥�
He also spoke movingly of the k膩kahu (cloak) he wore 鈥� a wh膩nau taonga 鈥� and the framed photos of t奴puna brought by his sisters, which symbolised the support of generations past.
Greg鈥檚 wife, Sara-Jane, reflected on his deep alignment with the University鈥檚 values of respect, integrity, excellence, and service, and its Te Ao M膩ori principles of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga 鈥� principles she said are evident in Greg鈥檚 leadership, home life, and personal character.
鈥淕reg role models utmost respect and integrity to us all, and it is Greg we turn to 鈥� whether we鈥檙e celebrating a success or grappling with a challenge.鈥�
Professor John Fraser, Dean of Medical and Health Sciences and long-time colleague, described Greg as 鈥渒nowledgeable and experienced, personable, thoughtful, totally unflappable and a good listener.鈥�
鈥淭he appointment of Greg was unanimously supported by the UniServices Board. We are confident in the strengths and leadership experience he brings to this important role.鈥�
The p艒whiri closed with a message that resonated deeply with those gathered. In the words of Sara-Jane, quoting the whakatauk墨:
鈥淜i te kotahi te k膩kaho, ka whati; ki te k膩puia, e kore e whati.鈥�
鈥淲hen we stand alone, we are vulnerable; but together, we are unbreakable.鈥�