GLOBAL INDIGENOUS MANAGEMENT - Key Persons
Its Founder Tina Waru comes from a strong lineage of pioneers such as her late grandfather Sonny Waru notable Actor, Orator & New Zealand Cultural Consultant, Uncle Selwyn Muru New Zealand Maori Painter, Sculptor, Writer and Film Maker, and the late Hanna Jackson (Aunty), Evan Eriwata (Aunty), and Uncle's Steve & Pat Heremaia who established New Zealand's first Maori fashion show and committee in the late 70's.
Tina first worked in the fashion industry as a makeup artist and had focused on a career in performing arts. She later went on to complete postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and Indigenous studies. Tina left New Zealand to work in the health and education sector, developing initiatives for Australian Aboriginal communities.
In 2011 Tina's journey began, to develop an empowering Global Indigenous initiative. The concept was driven by her desire to empower Indigenous young people with confidence, motivation and pride, the very qualities she lacked as a young woman. A year later the initiative Indigenous Runway Project emerged, embracing young peoples hidden beauty and talent enabling them to explore career pathways in various areas of the fashion industry.
Tina has now become one of the top Indigenous Stylists and Choreographer. In 2015 Tina received the Australian of the Day Award for Victoria and nominated for the 2017 Pride of Australia medal.