Nau mai, haere mai to Desna Whaanga-Schollum

We are delighted to welcome Desna to the Communications Team as our Communications Advisor – Māori.

Desna has a Master of Science Communication (Otago University 2018), and a B.Design (Unitec 1997). Projects include collaborating with a wide variety of communities, business and design professionals, artists and academics to achieve results that effect change in people, practice and place.

An Ambassador for Landscape Foundation NZ, Desna actively involved in indigenous discourse, stakeholder engagement and Kaupapa Māori leadership, strategy, research, design and communications. She has worked with, promoted, elevated, and connected Māori and indigenous professionals and communities continuously throughout her career.

Her governance roles include: Chair, Ngā Aho Māori Design Professionals; Chair, Artspace Aotearoa; Trustee, Arts Foundation NZ; Board Member, Auckland Urban Design Panel.

Iwi: Rongomaiwahine, Pāhauwera, Kahungunu. Hapū: Ngāi Tahu Matawhaiti