Dr Nicole Penetito-Hemara

About Me

“Dr Nicole “Nikki” Penetito Hemara (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou) is a proud mother of four, a researcher, tākaro practitioner, strategist, and advocate committed to systems transformation and Indigenous-led wellbeing. Her PhD explores how Māori movement practices, such as tākaro ki te taiao, can enhance hauora outcomes and support the reclamation of cultural identity for tamariki Māori. Born and raised in South Auckland, Nikki is the Managing Director of Kori Collaborative, a Māori social change agency driven by kaupapa that disrupts systems, inspires innovation, amplifies Indigenous voices, and drives meaningful transformation. She is also a senior consultant with Oi Collective, a powerful collective of wāhine Māori who unapologetically harness social and cultural innovation, design thinking, and community development to disrupt the status quo, centre mātauranga Māori, activate meaningful change, and grow spaces that nurture self-expression and empowerment. Nikki’s work blends pūrākau, taonga tākaro, and kaupapa Māori research to activate movement as expressions of whakapapa, identity, and flourishing wellness - Mauri Ora. Her leadership spans national panels, advisory roles, and, most importantly, mahi at the coalface, in kura and kōhanga reo, where transformation begins.”