RUN appoints Ariana Stone to newly-created Pou Rautaki Ahurea Māori / head of culture role

Leading Māori-owned, independent creative agency RUN is growing its leadership team, with Ariana Stone, joining the team as Pou Rautaki Ahurea Māori / cultural director.

Stone is Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, with a dedication and unwavering commitment to Te Ao Māori and passion for Te Reo Māori. Before joining the RUN waka she taught te reo me ōna tikanga for more than 20 years, including a role as the head of Te Reo Māori at Manurewa High School for seven years.

In her newly established role, Stone will lead and support the RUN team and their clients in Te Ao Māori and tikanga, and is instrumental in bolstering RUN’s cultural creative capabilities.

Says Raymond Otene McKay and Laura Cibilich, co-founders, RUN:“We’re thrilled to have someone as esteemed as Ariana on board, as Te Ao Māori is a fundamental part of what we do here at RUN. It allows us to continue to merge Te Ao Māori with our many years of commercial creativity, ultimately resulting in a richer experience and genuine deeper connection with the people of Aotearoa. Ariana brings her own unique mātauranga with her, and we’re very lucky to have her on the RUN waka.”

As a leading cultural advertising agency in Aotearoa, the addition of Ariana to the team will further enable RUN to deliver design and advertising for and with Māori, and for all.