Ministerial appointment for Te Herenga Waka Associate Professor
Dr Spencer Lilley’s depth of knowledge and passion for indigenous library and information services has resulted in a Ministerial appointment to the Library and Information Advisory Commission (LIAC) ̶ Ngā Kaiwhakamārama i ngā Kohikohinga Kōrero.
The appointment involves reporting to and advising the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Jan Tinetti, on library and information issues in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on Mātauranga Māori, access to library and information services and their role in the cultural and economic life of New Zealand.
Spencer’s professional and academic research experience spans 30 years and has seen a focus on the indigenisation of institutions, particularly information institutions.
“A lot of my research is focussed on how institutions can add that indigenous layer to make them responsive and proactive partners of indigenous groups.
“In New Zealand, that’s the relationship between organisations and iwi, and looking at the types of resources and services that they offer and how that fits into the Mātauranga Māori framework.”
Spencer expects his knowledge in this area will be valuable to the Commission and to the Minister. Especially as technology continues to develop and changes how Mātauranga Māori is managed within existing and future information policy frameworks.
“These points of view are important in the development of wider information policy in New Zealand, and how it is influenced by developments in the international community.”
Professor Jane Bryson, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Wellington School of Business and Government, is looking forward to the impact that Spencer will make as a commissioner.
“We are delighted to see that Dr Lilley’s expertise and contributions to library and information services in Aotearoa New Zealand have been recognised with this appointment. Dr Lilley’s experience will no doubt be important in the development of wider information policy in New Zealand and in particular, how information policy impacts Mātauranga Māori.”
Spencer is eagerly anticipating contributing on issues around Mātauranga Māori and access to information across the motu.
“I look forward to bringing together the strengths of my professional experience and research together to contribute to library and information services in New Zealand.”