Arapata Hakiwai's tribal affiliations include Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, and Kai Tahu.
Arapata Hakiwai began as Director Mātauranga Māori in November 2003. Mātauranga Māori recognises that taonga (treasures) and collections have special spiritual and cultural connections with Māori.
In this role, Arapata Hakiwai is responsible for leading research, curatorial, and collection management functions within the Māori team. He is responsible for developing and implementing mātauranga Māori initiatives across Te Papa.
He has extensive museum experience, including over twelve years at Te Papa and the previous National Museum as a Curator, Collection Manager, and as Te Papa’s Manager of Bicultural Operations from 1998 to 2001. From 2001 to 2003, he held the position of Community Partnerships Manager Māori Te Taumaru Herenga-ā-iwi within Te Papa’s National Services Te Paerangi.
Arapata Hakiwai also has significant experience in the development of tribal museums and cultural centres and taonga-related research. Through his role with National Services Te Paerangi, he has developed extensive networks within museums, iwi, and heritage organisations across New Zealand.