Julian Phillips has taken up the position of head of whenua planning and rejuvenation at aerospace JV.
Tāwhaki – an indigenous-led joint venture operating out of Ōtautahi, focused on advancing world-leading aerospace and environmental initiatives – has announced an appointment to its newly created leadership team.
Julian Phillips has taken up the position of head of whenua planning and rejuvenation.
A 50:50 joint venture between local mana whenua and the Crown, Tāwhaki has a dual kaupapa (purpose): to rejuvenate the whenua (land) at Kaitorete, and to advance Aotearoa’s aerospace industry.
Tāwhaki recently established the country’s first aerospace research centre at Kaitorete, one of the world’s best locations for space access.
This critical infrastructure supports research and development in a wide range of areas including: connecting communities in remote areas with communications and emergency response; environmental monitoring for climate change and disaster management; precision agriculture and sustainable space transport. It also provides a testing bed for developing regulations and policy to help navigate future aerospace needs.
Phillips joins at a pivotal time for the organisation and has a leading role in ensuring aerospace activities are compatible with rejuvenation efforts.
“Julian’s appointment marks a significant milestone on our mission to bring together mātauranga Māori and innovative technology, delivering regenerative opportunities for whānau, hapū, Ōtautahi, and Aotearoa for years to come,” chief executive Linda Falwasser said.
Phillips joins from the leadership team at Environment Canterbury, where he was most recently Te Pou Rautaki – senior strategy manager.
He hails from Wairewa Rūnanga – one of the indigenous partners in the Tāwhaki joint venture, together with Te Taumutu Rūnanga and the New Zealand Government.
“The fact that Julian is connected to this mahi through his whakapapa, as well as bringing considerable experience to the role, makes this appointment extra special,” Falwasser said.
He becomes part of a newly created leadership team led by Falwasser and comprised of chief operating officer Hamish McKinnon, head of aerospace strategy and global partnerships Stan Topping, technical adviser Avinash Rao, communications manager Renee Parsons, and general manager Alicia Wainui-Glasson.
Back row L-R: Alicia Wainui-Glasson; Renee Parsons; Hamish McKinnon; Erana Riddell; Te Puawai Perenara-O’Connell; Julian Phillips.
Front row L-R: Stan Topping; Linda Falwasser; Dyanna Jolly; John Mann; Ila Couch.
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