Distinguished Professor Michelle Thompson Fawcett

Ngāti Whātua

Michelle Thompson-Fawcett, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago. Michelle (Ngāti Whātua) is Poutoko Taiea Distinguished Professor in Te Ihowhenua School of Geography. She has 40 years’ experience in planning practice, teaching and research. Her research approach is kaupapa driven – working with Māori communities in regard to their aspirations for urban living and development, cultural landscape guardianship, Indigenous impact assessment, and the stewardship of natural and physical resources. She is particularly interested in power relations as Māori engage in, influence, and achieve self-determination in regard to urban and environmental decision-making.