We are delighted to announce Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate as the newly appointed Vice Warden and will take up the post in July 2021.
Areti graduated with first class honours in political science and media studies from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand (2006) before completing a Master’s degree (2011) and PhD (2018) at the ANU.
Ari is currently the Chief Executive at Te Kupenga, the Catholic tertiary provider in New Zealand. Previously he served as the Deputy Head of Toad Hall at ANU for 5 years, as the Dean of St Mark’s College in Adelaide, as Deputy Principal at St Albert’s College in Armidale, and as Vice Master at Wesley College in Sydney.
With ten years’ experience working within a college setting, Ari has a strong understanding of the needs of students, is highly engaged and supportive, leads by example and seeks to bring out the best in others. Prior to working in the university residential college sector, Areti worked as a Parliamentary Assistant in the New Zealand Parliament and was a Strategic Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Justice in Wellington prior to moving to Canberra to take on the role at Toad Hall under the headship of Dr Ian Walker.
A skilled communicator, Ari speaks his Indigenous Māori language fluently and has studied both Tongan and Japanese. His own diverse experiences, together with working in a number of colleges, ensures that he is able to relate well to people from all walks of life.
I believe strongly in the importance of inclusion and respecting diversity, which I have demonstrated through appointing diverse student leadership teams and developing support programs for LGBTI and Indigenous student
Ari is a caring and compassionate person who places importance on being connected and engaged with students to better understand their support and wellbeing needs and ensure they receive the best possible advice and guidance.
He is committed to academic excellence and collegiate life, in particular ensuring that the students with whom he works enjoy their time at college and reach their full potential.
College is an ideal place for young adults to grow and thrive socially, spiritually, and intellectually. It requires innovative and bold thinking, as well as courage to stand by what you believe will make a positive difference, even if others have a different view or approach.
Ari will move from New Zealand in July and will live in Oakes House with his wife Dr Jessa Rogers Metuamate. Jessa is a Wiradjuri woman who is a Fulbright and Churchill Scholar, artist, and nationally recognised expert in Indigenous education. We are looking forward to working with Jessa in her capacity to contribute to our Indigenous engagement strategy. Affectionately known as “Ari Mate”, we are thrilled that someone with Ari’s experience, energy and commitment is joining our team and look forward to welcoming Ari and his family to St John’s.