Rate My Professor Porourangi Templeton

Porourangi Templeton serves as a Professional Practice Fellow in the Raukaha – Māori Health Workforce Development Unit within the Health Sciences Division at the University of Otago. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Indigenous development and communication studies, completed in 2017. In 2019, he earned a Master of Indigenous Studies from Te Tumu School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, with his thesis titled 'INGS590, Te Roopū Māori, hiwa te mataara! Assertion of Tino Rangatiratanga by Māori in Tertiary Institutions.' Currently pursuing a PhD through Te Tumu, his research focuses on the Māori student experience and recruitment into universities, supervised by Dr Lyn Carter. Templeton has demonstrated strong leadership in Māori student organisations at Otago. He served as president of Ngā Tauira o te Kete Aronui, the Māori Humanities Student Association, in 2016 and 2024, organising its 10th anniversary celebrations. As Tumuaki Takirua and co-president of Te Rōpū Māori Students’ Association for 2025, alongside Ngātiki Taylor, he emphasises external engagement, stakeholder relationships, governance training, and leadership development for divisional Māori student groups. Previously, he was Tumuaki of Te Rōpū Māori, prioritising tuakana-teina relationships to support Māori students socially, culturally, and academically towards graduation and success. Of Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe, and Tainui descent, Templeton views Te Rōpū Māori as a whānau away from home, providing events, study spaces, and advocacy to amplify the Māori student voice through courageous conversations across the university.

Templeton's commitment to Māori student success is evident in his efforts to foster inclusive environments and upskill student executives. He advocates for collective wins, stating, 'When they win, we all win,' and promotes accessibility to university supports. His behind-the-scenes work strengthens co-presidency models to inspire future leaders. In his Health Sciences role, he contributes to Māori health workforce development, drawing on his academic trajectory in Indigenous studies and practical experience in student support. Templeton also has an acting credit from Shortland Street, adding to his diverse profile. His ongoing PhD research holds potential impact on enhancing Māori participation in tertiary education, aligning with his passion for equity and inclusion.