Hon Hekia Parata
Minister of Education
12 August 2016 Media Statement
Appointments to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
Education Minister Hekia Parata today announced five appointments to the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.
Founded after the Second World War, UNESCO is the United Nations’ educational, scientific and cultural organisation.
“I am delighted to appoint these five Commissioners. They are all respected experts in their fields and well positioned
to advise and represent New Zealand on UNESCO matters”, says Ms Parata.
“I would also like to thank the outgoing Commissioners and Chair for their service and convey my appreciation for the
time and energy they have given. They have each made a valuable contribution to the National Commission.”
The new commissioners are:
Robyn Baker, Chair (November 2016– November 2019)
Ms Baker is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. She has international experience as
Deputy Chair of the Australian Council for Education Research and at the Royal Society.
Materoa Dodd, Social Sciences Commissioner (June 2016 – June 2018)
Materoa Dodd has been a Senior Lecturer at the School of Māori and Pacific Development, Waikato University. She has
served as a trustee, governor and Chair for a diverse range of organisations.
Dr Cheryl Stephens, Education Commissioner (June 2016 – June 2018)
Cheryl Stephens currently sits on the New Zealand Council for Educational Research and has been a member of the New
Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) Council for fourteen years.
Geoff Hicks, Natural Sciences Commissioner (November 2016 – November 2019)
Geoff Hicks has recently retired from the role of Chief Scientist at the Department of Conservation. He is a member of
the Interdisciplinary Committee of the World Cultural Council.
Trish Carter, Communication Commissioner (November 2016 –November 19)
Trish Carter has been reappointed to the Commission. She has significant experience in international news media.
Arapata Hakiwai is continuing in his role as Culture Commissioner.
ends