Expertise

Dr. Benita Simati-Kumar is an academic with experience in curriculum management, teaching, and research. She currently serves as the Programme and Curriculum Manager for He Waka Hiringa: Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge at Te Wananga o Aotearoa. Dr. Simati-Kumar has a strong background in supporting Māori and Pasifika students and has held various roles at institutions such as Manukau Institute of Technology and Auckland University of Technology.

Honors

Significant Student Scholarship (3-year fees scholarship)
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2007-2009
Cavalier Bremworth Excellence in Spatial Design
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2009
Henry Wilson Postgraduate Pacifica Scholarship, Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2010
Summer Research Assistant Award, Faculty of Design and Creative Tech
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2010-2011
Manukau Masters Scholarship
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2011
Summer Research Assistant Award - Faculty of Design and Creative Tech
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2011-2012
Pasifika Postgraduate Research Equity Award
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2012
AUT Chancellor Doctoral Scholarship
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT, 2014-2016
AUT interNZ Scholarship for Work Experience
American Museum of Natural History (United States, New York) - AMNH, 2016

Organizational Affiliations

Kairuruku - Arataki , Te Tirohanga Māori (Māori Worldview), Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Manava Moana, Te Manawahoukura, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Kairuruku - Arataki , Ako (Education), Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Toi (Maori & Indigenous Art), Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Te Manawahoukura, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Education

Spatial Design
2010, Bachelor of Spatial Design , Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT

First Class Honours

Art and Design
2012, Master of Art and Design, Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT

First Class Honours

Doctor of Philosophy
2016, Doctor of Philosophy, Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand, Auckland) - AUT
Adult Tertiary Teaching
2020, Certificate Adult Tertiary Teaching, Te Wananga o Aotearoa