Dr Hana O'Regan

Dr Hana O’Regan is of Kāi Tahu and Pākehā (Irish and Scottish) descent. Raised in Wellington, she moved to Te Waipounamu at 21 as a lecturer at Otago University, and after four years there, shifted to Ōtautahi where she has been based ever since.

Hana has worked in the areas of language revitalisation, identity, and cultural development, te reo Māori and education for over 30 years. She is a published author and composer and is recognised internationally for her work in indigenous language acquisition and revitalisation.

A graduate of Te Panekiretanga – Institute of Excellence in Te Reo Māori, Hana is widely respected for her Māori language contribution, skills, and advocacy. Hana’s passion for education and community, history and equity has resulted in a career committed to working with organisations, businesses, and individuals to support and enhance positive outcomes for learners and whānau.

She is one of the founders of the Kāi Tahu Māori language strategy, Kotahi Mano Kāika, Kotahi Mano Wawata, which was launched by the tribe in 2000 and continues to teach te reo, karaka and composition within her Kāi Tahu community. Hana was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2021 and has held the position of Tumu Whakarae of Tātai Aho Rau Core Education since late 2020.