Mere Skerrett

Associate Professor Mere Skerrett is Head of School in the Faculty of Education at Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka), where she holds a position as Associate Professor in the School of Education. With deep expertise in Māori education, she leads significant initiatives in teacher education and Indigenous knowledge systems. Her office is located in Murphy Building, MY 714, at 21D Kelburn Parade, Wellington.

• Iwi affiliations: Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Rakiāmoa, Ngāti Ruahikihiki, Ngāti Māhuta, Ngāti Unu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Te Rangiunuora, Ngāti Pūkeko
• Graduated as top female graduate (te kirikawa) from Te Panekiretanga o te Reo, the Institute of Excellence in Māori Language
• International Research Fellow with the Velma E. Schmidt International Critical Childhood Policy Studies Collaborative

Professor Skerrett's research focuses on the history of colonialism and racism in education, with particular emphasis on bilingual education methodologies, language development in young children, and equity issues related to Māori as Tāngata Whenua. She has pioneered teacher education programs including Te Iti Rearea (initial teacher education) and Te Kahukiwi o Aotearoa (Masters of Teaching and Learning with Early Childhood Endorsement). Her work consistently centers Mātauranga Māori perspectives on sustainability, climate change, and language sovereignty.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory connecting Indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary educational challenges. Her scholarship consistently bridges theory and practice, with increasing focus on climate change education from Māori perspectives, language revitalization, and decolonizing educational practices. The publications demonstrate a clear evolution toward more integrated approaches connecting language, culture, and environmental sustainability.

• Te Tohu Pae Tawhiti Award from NZ Association for Research in Education (2022)
• Te Pā Harakeke Award for commitment to Kāi Tahu whānau and leadership in te reo Māori
• Doctoral award from Tainui people
• Networking award from Tainui people

Professor Skerrett actively supervises doctoral students in bilingual education and special needs in Māori educational settings, including international students. She leads multiple significant research projects: National Science Challenge - He Pā Mataora (focusing on climate adaptation in Māori communities); Spencer Foundation Vision Grant on Sustainable Futures in Early Childhood Education; and a Victoria Faculty Strategic Research Grant project on teacher education for te reo Māori development. Her work demonstrates strong commitment to translating research into practical educational resources and policy recommendations.

She is actively involved in research teams including the National Science Challenge project team, the Spencer Foundation grant team (with Fikile Nxumalo and Michelle Perez), and collaborative work with Associate Professors Jenny Ritchie and Judith Loveridge on teacher education initiatives. Her current projects focus on creating culturally relevant examples of sustainable living within urban, pan-Māori contexts and transforming educational systems in relation to living lands, waters, and languages.