Johnson Witehira

Dr Johnson Witehira (Tamahaki, Ngāti Hinekura, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūteauru, Ngāti Hāmoa) is a leading Māori innovator working across art, design, technology and game development. As a director of IDIA and PAKU, and a board member of the NZ Game Developrs Association, The National Digital Forum (NDF), and Te Korowai-o-Wainuiārua Trust, Johnson focuses on bringing Indigenous knowledge and creative thinking into contemporary design practices. His work spans multiple domains, from developing innovative AR experiences featuring atua Māori to revitalising tribal narratives through community-driven projects in the Ruapehu district. In all his mahi Johnson is committed to ensuring that Māori stories, values and tikanga continue to flourish in design and digital spaces.