Name: Maree Brannigan

Date and place of birth: Eketahuna 1970

Ethnicity: Pākehā of Irish/Danish descent

Current residence and electorate: Mangaweka, Rangitikei

Electorate: Rangitikei

Educational and Vocational qualifications:
Bachelor of Education; Diploma of Teaching; Management in the Voluntary Sector NVQ (National Vocational Qualification UK)
Te Pukenga Atawhai Dept of Conservation

Current Occupation: Manager, Ruapehu REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme)

Previous Occupations:
Artist & Business Owner, i5 gallery & studio 2006-2010,
Ranger, Community Relations Ranger, Department of Conservation 2005-06
Project Manager, Lifelong Learning Project, Sussex, England 2002-03
Assistant Curator, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Sussex England 2001-02
Educator, New Zealand National Maritime Museum 2000-01
Educator & Owner, Starlab Pacific 1996-2001
Senior Science Education Officer The Science Centre & Manawatu Museum 1992-96
Lecturer Science Education, Palmerston North College of Education 1991
Freelance Contract Work, Education Resource Development Various museums, local authorities 1995-2001

Other Work Experience (paid or unpaid):

Committee Member, Rangitikei Tourism & various related project groups 2007-2009
Organiser and Committee Member Mangaweka Arts Festival, Mangaweka Fakes & Forgeries Festival 2006-10
Project Member Kohukohu Community Library Redevelopment Project 2004-5

Community Connections

Strong ties to education networks, stakeholders, iwi particularly in the northern Rangitikei electorate region through current position as Manager of Ruapehu REAP. Active participation in regional tourism and arts related events and organisations. Professional association with national education bodies. Established links with local and national heritage, culture and arts community.

Policy Interests/Expertise

Education and in particular adult & community education outside of formal settings. Much of my experience, qualifications, reading, thinking and conversations to date have a firm focus on education, and it is an area I am keenly committed to.

Arts, Culture & Heritage. I am passionate about the critical role arts, culture and heritage has in a thriving community and have specific experience as a practitioner, educator, curator and resource developer.

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