Associates

Huti Watson

Huti Watson (Ngāti Porou, Tainui) is a consultant in with over 25 years experience in health, research and economic development strategies. She has a strong focus in the protection of Māori rights and the integration of traditional knowledge in biomedical sciences in Aotearoa NZ.

Huti is a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Fellowship for Social Equity (AFSE). Her current governance and committee roles include: Research Coordinator of Ngati Porou Hauora Charitable Trust (NPHCT) (Formerly Chair and Deputy Chair of the NPHCT Board), Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Genomic Variome Project, member of Variant Bio’s Ethics Advisory Board (EAB), member of the Maurice Wilkins Centre (MWC) Board, member of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Maori Data Leadership Panel, and member on the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) Global Working Group on Waiora Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing.

Vikashni Moore

Vikashni is an experienced Human Resources professional with a strategic mindset and practical experience in change management, leadership coaching and executive recruitment. She has worked as the GM HR for Fiji Airlines and Digicel, and has a strong academic and research base as a doctoral student and lecturer in Human Resources at Auckland University of Technology. She has significant strengths in:

Organisational culture and values: analysis, re-design and tying up with employer branding
Managing change
Organisational re-design
Employee engagement initiatives
Building capabilities in teams and organisations
Coaching, mentoring and people development, especially younger HR professionals
Diversity and inclusion programmes
Recruitment
Internal equity programmes
HR planning for changing workforce (e.g., flexible work, gig workers, ageing workforce)
Performance management programmes (e.g., counselling and performance-managing problem children)
Other strategic HRM activities (e.g., employer branding)

Sana Lavai-Motlagh

Sana has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters in Urban Planning. He was a student support adviser with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and a community support and family services adviser in Canada. Born of Iranian heritage and having lived in the Pacific, Canada and the Middle East, Sana is culturally aware and adept in using his considerable research, interaction, planning, writing and communication skills to produce rapid, reliable, accurate, comprehensive and outcome-focused reports for clients. He is particularly focusing on Resource Management Act activity, assisting clients to achieve development and environmental outcomes.

He is particularly skilled in:

Research Reports
Iwi engagement
RMA advice and processes
Land and property development Assessments and Feasibility Studies
Assessments of Environmental Effects
District Plan research and changes
Cultural Values Assessments
Mana Whakahono a Rohe Advice
Landowner Applications to IBT Funds
Business Plans

Lana Webster

Lana is an experienced architectural designer with over 10 years of experience across a broad range of project types including high-rise apartments, high density townhouses, subdivisions, Kainga ora projects, residential aged care and single family homes.

She completed her Master of Architecture (professionals) at AUT’s School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao with co-worker Rory Norton.

Awarded First Class Honors, Lana’s thesis was centred around a co-design development with the prominent Hawke whānau of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Lana’s thesis explored the concept of Mauri Ora and how it was protected, enhanced and enriched in architectural details. The deep research she conducted into building products and systems, as well as her experience as a practitioner, gives Lana in depth knowledge of building methodologies and efficiencies.

Lana whakapapa’s to the Ngaati Whanaunga iwi and her professional competencies include:

- Pre-design site analysis (civil and social infrastructure)

- Pre-design collaborative development of client brief

- Iterative generative design development

- Develops warm and affable relationships with colleagues and clients alike

- Extensive digital proficiency in Revit – developing company master files.

- Consenting and construction documentation, including specifications, technical reports and schedules of finishes.

- Liaison with consultations, clients and council officers .

Blackie Tohiariki

Blackie is from Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Te Arawa and Te Whānau a Apanui. He has a demonstrated history of over 40 years in education, cultural alignment programmes, supporting community projects and small business. He is experienced in networking within not-for-profit and community organisations. He is skilled in business planning, business analysis, and coaching. A strong entrepreneurial and professional background recently focused on education via Te Whare Aio, health and wealth creation.

He is a Director at Tohitu Indigenous Solutions Ltd, a Restorative Justice Facilitator and a Practitioner of Mātauranga Māori (Auckland/Hawkes Bay).

Rory Norton

In 2022, Rory completed his Master of Architecture (professionals) at AUT’s School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao.

Awarded First Class Honors, Rory’s thesis was centred around a co-design development with the prominent Hawke whānau of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Rory’s design was chosen specifically by the whānau as it embodied their vision for a vertical papakāinga, which reflected their kaupapa and acts as a foundation for current and future generations of iwi.

Rory understands that housing can be a turbulent and ever-changing industry - requiring a unique and personal approach to every project independently.

Along with his appreciation for visually impactful design, Rory also holds a deep understanding that well-designed housing has the potential to repair communities and solidify cultural identities.

His notable skills include:

Refined and methodical design processes.
An attentive and sensitive approach to in-person client consultations.
An understanding and ability to incorporate Te Ao Māori principles and concepts within an architectural setting.
Ability to effectively synthesize client desires with intrinsic architectural knowledge.
Strong written and communication skills.
Extensive digital software skills, i.e. Revit, CAD and Adobe products such as Photoshop and InDesign.

Jeyan Chamanmah

Bachelor Urban Planning and Sustainable Development

Jeyan is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience, including significant time in management roles.

His formal education in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development has proven valuable in navigating complex projects in the public sector across policy, healthcare, transport and commercial matters.

His experience as founder of two successful SMEs has developed his commercial acumen across financial modeling, human resource management, marketing and contract negotiations.

Having lived and worked in Australia, Vanuatu, China, Israel and New Zealand, Jeyan brings a global perspective and is intent on leveraging his expertise, experiences, and innovative thinking to unlock solutions for clients, particularly in projects that drive positive social change.

Dr John Wilcox

Dr John Wilcox is a cognitive scientist and philosopher whose work often focuses on improving judgment and decision-making, especially in applied contexts. As such, it spans philosophy, psychology and other areas like political science, medicine and law.

John Wilcox was an adjunct professor of psychology at Columbia University and a visiting scholar at Stanford University where he also obtained a PhD covering topics across philosophy, psychology and political science. In 2022, he published the book, "Human Judgment: How Accurate Is It, and How Can It Get Better?" (Springer Nature). John’s analytical capacities are currency in any assessments and work carried out by AWA.