New Zealander returns to Kamloops to lead Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University has hired its next president, signing on its former head of education and social work.

Dr. Airini (who goes by one name) brings a breadth of international experience researching, teaching and advising government policy. A TRU hiring committee unanimously chose her after nearly a year of fielding candidates.

Her five-year term as president and vice-chancellor starts July 1, succeeding Brett Fairbairn who is retiring.

“Returning to TRU is both an honour and a responsibility. It’s an enormous privilege to take on this role. We know that TRU became a full university 20 years ago because of this community’s strong vision and advocacy,” she said in a TRU news release.

Originally from New Zealand, Airini’s resume includes seven years as the TRU Dean of Education and Social work, more recently filling an executive role at the University of Saskatchewan in 2021.

She has authored or co-authored more than 100 academic papers, books and reports in her career, advised UN food security policies and advised the BC government on equity in education for Indigenous students, according to the release.

At TRU she co-led the “Knowledge Makers” program, which is now a UN-sponsored initiative across the globe aimed at mentoring Indigenous researchers in undergrad programs, the university said. She is currently editing a book about the program.

“It is from these roots that this dynamic university is serving the region and quietly yet boldly changing the province and the world. I know first hand that TRU is a genuine force for good, honouring Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, T’exelc and the Secwépemc Nation. I am excited to serve our communities and to advocate relentlessly for all that is unique and exceptional about TRU,” Airini said.

She studied education and business in New Zealand until earning master’s in both along with Maori language certificates. She then came to Canada as an international student to complete a teaching PhD at the University of BC.

Hee Young Chung, who chairs TRU’s board of governors and the committee that hired Airini, said she stood out for her experience, integrity and academic leadership.

“She brings a deep understanding of TRU’s mission and a clear commitment to our students, communities and partners,” Chung said in the news release.

Aside from her university experience, Airini is also a renowned athlete, having represented her country in two sports. She’s the only woman selected on merit for a national men’s representative sports team, the university said.

The release didn’t say what men’s team it was, but her athletic resume also includes once kayaking across the Cook Strait — the dangerous and unpredictable stretch separating New Zealand’s two islands.