Glenis Philip-Barbara

The public sector veteran ensuring the sustainability of Māori knowledge systems and practices

The mum to seven, Glenis Philip-Barbara (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Uepõhatu) who hails from Reporua, has a lifelong interest in the sustainability of Māori knowledge systems and practices, especially te reo Māori, and has worked in the public service for thirty years. As an Executive Coach and experienced leader she has supported a range of organisations to implement change with a clear eye on the why and the how. 

In previous roles Glenis has led national research projects, initiated specialised learning services, led the establishment of a regional education plan, helped the marae with restoration projects, initiated and established a national Māori language research centre and rolled out five major investigations into the state of te reo, supported the safe inclusion of care experienced young people into a major change programme and assisted Tertiary Education providers to improve their performance. 

Glenis has worked as the Chief Executive, Māori Language Commission and Associate Deputy Chief Executive, Child, Youth and Family, the Director of Business Development at Tairāwhiti Polytechnic and Education and Environment Projects Manager at Te Runanga o Turanganui a Kiwa, and is currently the Māori Commissioner for Children.  She’s also founded a charitable organisation that is focused on recycling and up cycling high quality second hand goods into communities in need. Glenis is the Chair of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, represents Gisborne District Council on the Board of Tairāwhiti Museum and serves as a community Board member for SuperGrans Tairāwhiti and Tõnui Collab.