Elle Archer: From Grassroots to Governance

For our first episode, we are joined by Elle Archer.Elle is of Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi and Ngāi Tūhoe. She is a Māori technology, governance and digital equity leader whose work spans science, infrastructure, data, education, emergency management, iwi economic development and community resilience.She is a Director of Tū Ātea, Executive Chair of Te Ao Matihiko, a Director of Network for Learning, and a Director of AgriTech New Zealand. She also holds leadership roles across digital equity, emergency management, education and iwi economic development.In 2024, Elle was named the Datacom Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual at the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards. In 2025, she received the CIO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Technology and Business, recognising leadership grounded in kotahitanga and inclusive innovation. (NZ Hi-Tech Awards)What makes Elle’s perspective so important in this first episode is that she does not view technology in isolation.She sees the digital backbone of this country from within Crown governance, Māori governance, industry, emergency systems, and community advocacy, all at the same time.