KO WAI TĒNEI / ABOUT ME

E mihi ana ki a koutou 

He mokopuna tēnei nō Raukawa ki wharepuuhunga,

nō Waikato, nō Ngāpuhi

Ko Fiona Johnson-Bell tōku ingoa

 

With qualifications in Business and Social Evaluation (BCA, MBA, PGDip Soc Eva), I began my career supporting the growth of the Māori health workforce, working alongside community support workers and helping develop pathways for Māori nurses before moving into the education sector.

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For more than 15 years, I have worked across tertiary education, partnering with senior leaders to shape national strategy, influence policy, design programmes and strengthen opportunities for Māori across Aotearoa. My work has focused on creating meaningful, long-term change by supporting organisations to build stronger relationships, grow Māori capability and develop sustainable pathways for success.

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Alongside my professional practice, I am undertaking a PhD exploring Māori leadership in New Zealand universities and how we can strengthen pathways for the next generation of Māori leaders. This research continues to inform and enrich the way I work with organisations, bringing together evidence, lived experience and kaupapa Māori.

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My Philosophy

For me, the most important question is not "Ko wai koe?" (Who are you?), but "Nā wai koe?" (From whom do you come?).

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Our identity is shaped by those who came before us and carries a responsibility to those who will come after us. As Māori, our work is rarely about individual success alone, it is about contributing to the wellbeing of our whānau, hapū, iwi and communities, creating opportunities that will benefit our tamariki and mokopuna for generations to come.

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That philosophy sits at the heart of everything I do, guiding how I build relationships, approach leadership and work alongside others to achieve meaningful and lasting outcomes.

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