my Why – Tāku Hei Aha
a World of Unity and Exploration
At the heart of every endeavor lies a simple yet profound mission: Unification. Inspired by the principles of Kotahitanga, I am dedicated to fostering collaboration and collective effort. My journey is not just about working together; it’s about striving for equity to pave the way for equality, ultimately leading us towards a unified vision.
Here, unity is not just a concept; it’s a mechanism to drive inclusive exploration. It’s about venturing together into the realms of knowledge, understanding our place, and determining our direction in the vast universe. This pursuit is more than a personal passion; it’s a collective quest to understand humanity’s role and potential.
As you navigate through my site, you’ll discover the various ways in which I contribute to this kaupapa, my mission. From innovative projects to insightful discussions, each aspect reflects a commitment to unity, equity, and the boundless pursuit of knowledge. Welcome to a space where together, we explore, learn, and grow towards a unified future.
Whakapapa – Māori ki te Ao
The Importance of Ancestry
E tipu ake au te rito, ka karapotia e ngā awhi rito whāngai hei whakamarumaru. Ko Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tuhoe me Ngāti Porou ngā iwi e rū nei taku ngākau. Ko te ingoa whānau whangai ko Wilson rāua ko Whiu, Wharerau, me Waiti. He honore ahau e tu ake ana ki te whakapapa tūturu, Ko Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Porou hoki. Ko te ingoa whānau ko Rapana Paraku, ko Harihona hoki. Ka whakawhetai ahau ki te mahitahi I te taha o ngā iwi o Waitaha, Ko Dave Archer taku hoa rangatira o Waitaha, tēnei te whenua e noho ana au. Nō reira, ko au te mokopuna o ngā hau e wha. Ko Elle Archer tenei. Tēna koutou, tēnā tatou.
I grew up surrounded by the protective arms of my parents (adoptive) they come from (ngā iwi katoa) the iwi that speak to my heart. The lines and names of my family are… I am honoured to stand with my whakapapa of origin, (ngā iwi katoa). The lines and names of my bloodline are…I am thankful to collaborate with the iwi of Waitaha, the lands from which my husband hails from, where we live today. Therefore, I am the mokopuna of the 4 winds, my name is Elle Archer, and I acknowledge you all, I acknowledge us all.
Through us, we create a future for our grandchildren, built upon the shoulders of giants, our ancestors – such is the intergenerational story we are all a part of.
Embracing Omni-Culturalism
In the intricate mosaic of my heritage, each thread is a vibrant testament to the diverse cultures that have shaped me. As a descendant of the all-encompassing winds of Aotearoa New Zealand, with roots spreading to Italy, Tangata Moana, Scotland, and England, my whakapapa is not just a lineage but a living bridge connecting a myriad of worlds. It’s in this rich diversity that I find my strength, my superpower, and my profound passion for omni-culturalism.
My mixed heritage is a celebration of connection — to the land, to the people, and to our shared human narrative. It’s a connection that transcends geographical boundaries, weaving together the essence of different cultures into a singular, harmonious identity. As a mokopuna (grandchild) of Aotearoa and a daughter of the Pacific, I embody a tapestry of global cultures, each offering unique perspectives and wisdom. This cultural amalgamation has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the concept of omni-culturalism – the idea that our diverse cultural backgrounds are not just to be acknowledged but actively integrated for the collective benefit of society.
This integration is not merely about celebrating diversity; it’s about harnessing the distinct strengths and insights of each culture to create a more cohesive, empathetic, and inclusive world. My mixed ancestry is a living example of omni-culturalism in action. Each cultural strand in my heritage brings its own set of values, beliefs, and experiences, contributing to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world.
The beauty of omni-culturalism lies in its ability to explore the benefits of each culture, finding common ground while respecting individual uniqueness. In a world that often sees differences as barriers, my mixed heritage serves as a reminder that these differences are, in fact, our greatest assets. They are the keys to fostering innovation, creativity, and a deeper sense of global citizenship.
Through my journey, I strive to demonstrate how integrating diverse cultural elements can lead to more effective and compassionate governance, richer educational experiences, and more resilient communities. By embracing the principles of omni-culturalism, I aim to contribute to a societal fabric that values every thread, every color, every pattern, in the belief that our collective identity is not diluted but enriched by our myriad ancestries.
In essence, my mixed heritage is not only a source of personal identity but also a driving force in my mission to advocate for a world where cultural interweaving is seen as a path to a more understanding, cohesive, and harmonious society. This is the legacy of my ancestry, and it’s the vision that propels my passion for a globally integrated future.
My Multiverse
I navigate an eclectic mix of fields, blending governance, contract work, and community initiatives. My background spans DigiTech, Data-Informed Strategy, Geospatial Technologies, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Education, and Emergency Management. This diverse expertise allows me to engage deeply in each area while maintaining a holistic view of their interconnectedness.
My approach is dual-faceted: I often ‘zoom out’ to understand and strategically connect these varied domains. This broad perspective enables me to identify synergies and opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration. Then, I ‘zoom in,’ focusing on activating and delivering specific projects within these realms. This zooming in and out ensures that each initiative is not only executed with precision and excellence but also contributes to a larger, cohesive vision.
The distribution of my time across these sectors is a careful balance, ensuring that each area receives the attention it deserves while fostering overall growth and development. In governance, I apply my expertise to shape policies and strategies that resonate with current needs and future aspirations. Through contract work, I dive into specific projects, applying my skills to achieve impactful outcomes. Meanwhile, in community initiatives, I focus on grassroots-level engagement, ensuring that the benefits of development and technology reach all segments of society.
This multifaceted approach ensures that every endeavor I undertake is not just about individual success but about driving collective progress. Each project is an opportunity to create meaningful impact, deliver tangible results, and contribute to both individual and collective outcomes in the ever-evolving tapestry of our digital and physical worlds.
Science and the Natural World
A Symphony of Interconnected Realms: Bridging the Hard Sciences with Integrated Technologies
In my journey through the world of physics and the hard sciences, a realm often perceived as rigid and empirical, I realised a profound truth: everything is connected. This realisation, born from a deep passion for theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and material science, led me on a path where electromagnetics, radar, interferometry, ultrasonics, and various other sciences weren’t just isolated fields of study but integral parts of a larger, interwoven narrative.
My intrigue initially sparked with the study of eddy currents and ultrasonics, delving into the mysteries of frequency. This exploration expanded to radar and other related sciences, each unveiling the synergistic potential when hard and theoretical sciences are fused to solve multi-dimensional problems. This epiphany was a turning point, steering me towards the integration of these technologies within the infrastructure sector, particularly in the realm of geospatial technologies—the measurement of time and space.
These scientific areas are inherently interdisciplinary, frequently intersecting with fields like materials science, as in the study of eddy currents in various materials, or computer science for the advanced signal processing in radar and interferometry. They stand as prime examples of how diverse scientific disciplines can converge to forge sophisticated technologies and analytical methods.
Co-owning and operating a service department that doubled as a laboratory, and leading a team of technicians and scientific explorers, I engaged in a dynamic cycle of creation, testing, failure, marketing, sales, and service. This hands-on experience was invaluable. It provided me with a tangible understanding of nature’s power and the interconnectedness of atoms – revealing the latent possibilities that permeate our surroundings. I miss my lab dearly, as my happiest moments are when I’m immersed in the world of innovation.
An early insight was the gap in foundational education in these technologies among industry professionals, particularly tradespeople eager to upskill. This led to the founding of Industry Training, Education, and Development (TED) spaces in 2013, aiding to spearhead industry education and skill development within the infrastructure sector. Concurrently, as a Senior Trainer in APAC for Utility Infrastructure Location and Mapping, I continued to hone my expertise in radar, electromagnetics, geotechnical, environmental, and geospatial measurement technologies. These roles, coupled with my experiences in commercial property development and consultancy, refined my understanding of integrated technologies’ role in infrastructure, environmental monitoring, emergency management, and more. I found myself navigating across sectors and industries, confronting similar challenges in different contexts.
The projects I have undertaken over the years have been numerous and humbling, taking me around the world and allowing me to work with a diverse range of people and objectives. It was during this period that I became actively involved in various SMART initiatives.
Reflecting on a journey in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Creation, and Mathematics, spanning 15 years, from selling simple survey instrumentation to delving into the complexities of integrated environmental monitoring technologies , it becomes clear that this journey transcended scientific discovery. It was about recognising how these discoveries, rooted in the hard sciences, could be interlinked to tackle complex, real-world challenges.
In the intricate tapestry of hard sciences and integrated technologies, a recurring theme of profound interconnectedness with the natural world emerges. The principles of electromagnetics echo the forces and patterns inherent in nature, guiding everything from animal navigation to the behavior of light. Radar technology, resonating with the echolocation methods of bats and dolphins, enables a deeper understanding and stewardship of natural ecosystems. Similarly, interferometry, paralleling the interference patterns observed in nature, helps us decipher environmental and seismic shifts. Ultrasonics draw inspiration from biological sonar, bridging medical science with ecological insights. Geospatial technologies, encompassing the vastness of GPS and satellite imagery, mirror the dynamic and interconnected systems of Earth, enabling us to map and respond to its ever-changing patterns. This theme of interconnectedness not only highlights the synergy between scientific innovations and the natural world but also reinforces the importance of aligning our technological advancements with the rhythms and needs of the environment, ensuring progress that is in harmony with our planet.
Looking back, I see a rich tapestry where each strand of knowledge in physics and technology contributes to a broader understanding and innovation. This tapestry not only highlights the interconnectedness within science but also exemplifies our approach to life and problem-solving. Embracing this interconnectedness, we can unearth solutions as holistic as the challenges we confront.
As I look ahead, this journey reinforces my belief in the power of interconnectedness. It’s a belief I continue to apply in every endeavor, aiming to leave a legacy of integration, innovation, and holistic growth – where science and the natural world exist in a harmonious symphony, guiding us towards a sustainable and enlightened future.
Current Bio
Inā kei te mohio koe, ko wai koe
I anga mai koe i hea, kei te mohio koe
Kei te anga atu ki hea
Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru – Hauraki Whānui katoa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūhoe
My WHY (passion and ultimate commitment) is to UNIFY
Transformative l Strategist | Futurist l Innovator | Technologist l Systems Engineer l Speaker| WE not me
*Empowering People to Achieve Outcomes for the Betterment of Purpose*
Elle has been involved in Iwi, Business, Industry, Government, and Community development for 27yrs. With a background in Science, Geospatial Technology, Education, Infrastructure, Economic Development and Emergency Management – Elle now finds herself in varying leadership positions across the region, nationally, and globally. Her kaupapa is centred around collective leadership, progressive governance, learning futures and non-lineal pathways, digital equity to digital excellence, inclusion in action, integrated ecosystems, strategic foresight, and tactical application.
Current Spaces:
- Heamana Whakahaere, Executive Chair, Te Ao Matihiko
- Chair, Te Matarau, The Māori Tech Association
- Managing Director, ELG Global
- Chair, Waitaha Regional Digital Equity Joint Committee
- Chair, Selwyn District Local CDEM Welfare Committee
- Director, Tū Ātea, Māori Broad Spectrum Commission (IMSC)
- Director, Network 4 Learning
- Director, Archland Investments
- Advisor, Ministry of Education, Digital Equity, Terms of Reference
- Board Trustee, Learning City Christchurch, Āko Ōtautahi
- Board Trustee, Central Plains Water Trust
- Kaiarahi, Ngā Iwi o Ngāti Tamaterā, Digital Strategic Framework
- Speaker, Facilitator, Organiser