Dr Hirini Moko Mead (Ngati Awa, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tuhourangi) is a prominent writer and commentator. Author of over seventy books, papers and articles, he was foundation professor of Maori studies at Victoria University of Wellington. A scholar of rare expertise in Maori language and culture, Dr Mead was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Maori and to education in 2007. June Mead (Ngati Porou) is a former primary, secondary and tertiary teacher and public servant. June was closely involved in organising the Te Maori exhibition of Maori art and in the successful Maori bid to have Maori become an official New Zealand language.