For International Women’s Day, we celebrate the wāhine whose leadership, courage, and compassion shape the future of vocational education at Whitireia and WelTec. Their leadership strengthens our communities and creates equitable, empowering spaces to learn and work.
As Head of the School of Innovation, Design and Technology - spanning IT, the built environment, engineering, cosmetology, cookery, business, design, screen production and international programmes - Mary-Claire Proctor is committed to supporting women in fields where they have historically been underrepresented. Her leadership philosophy is about inclusivity, accountability, and creating an environment where people feel confident, supported, and able to grow.
“My aim is to make decisions with integrity, be accountable, and create an environment where people believe in themselves. Leadership is about listening first, asking questions second, and stepping back so others can lead their own mahi.”
Mary-Claire works to make pathways into technology more visible and accessible for women, ensuring learners develop not only technical expertise but also the confidence to lead, innovate, and thrive in rapidly evolving industries.
Temehari Laumemea Tauga, Programme Manager, Youth Development and Health Wellbeing, shares this commitment to inclusive leadership. She encourages wāhine to trust their voice and recognise their strengths while ensuring the systems around them provide real support.
Temehari is a strong advocate for working collaboratively across teams to remove barriers, design support models that are flexible, culturally grounded, and responsive to individual needs. She believes in the power of mentoring and creating opportunities for women, calling for stronger wellbeing services, improved childcare, and greater representation of Pacific wāhine in leadership. Through this work, she supports ākonga to achieve academically and lead with pride in their identity.
Both leaders agree that progress is a collective effort. Mary-Claire explains that progress is only possible because we work together. “When we share our strengths, support one another, and collaborate across sites, we create an environment where our combined efforts genuinely move us forward.” Temehari echoes this, highlighting the importance of listening deeply to those we serve and work alongside.
“What I hope the next generation carries forward is confidence in who they are. They should never feel like they need to shrink themselves to fit into a space.”
Together, their voices - and the voices of wāhine across Whitireia and WelTec - bring a shared vision, where leadership reflects the diversity of our communities, and every learner feels seen, supported, and valued.
Pictured (L-R): Temehari Laumemea Tauga, Programme Manager for Youth Development and Health Wellbeing and Mary-Claire Proctor, Head of the School of Innovation, Design and Technology.
