Naketa Ikihele
Contact
Location:
Auckland, New Zealand
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Information
Leadership and Talent Development Specialist | Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Areas of expertise:
Education
Leadership
Coaching
Languages:
English, Te Reo Māori
Available for:
Mentorship & Career advice | Panelist & Speakerships | Advisory Committees
“Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei.
Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.”
Naketa is, and has always been, a dreamer! This quote reminds her to reach for those lofty goals, but equally to remain humble every step of the way.
About
Naketa is a leadership specialist of Rarotongan and Ngāpuhi descent, who is passionate about diversity, whānau, education and identity.
Her research focuses on leadership development and multicultural education, with a recent study examining listening as a critical skill from the perspective of Cook Island leaders. She specialises in creating culturally-responsive coaching models like the MANAWA Coaching Model, which helps leaders align their practices with community values. Her work aims to identify cultural factors that enhance leadership coaching, supporting leaders in building inclusive and effective teams.
Academic Qualifications
2023 | Master of Educational Leadership, Auckland University of Technology
2018 | Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Massey University
2008 | Master of Education, Massey University
2001 | Bachelor of Education (Teaching), University of Auckland
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
New Zealand Institute of Coaching Accredited Coach
Teaching Council of Aotearoa Registered Teacher
Accolades
Deans Award of Academic Excellence, University of Auckland
Recent Publications
Ikihele, N. (2023, November 1). (thesis). Improving Leadership Practice Through ‘Listening’: The Perspective of Cook Island Leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand Primary Schools. Tuwhera Open Access. https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/items/1a922072-859b-4a1f-814b-d375e6cef586.