VML NZ appoints Jacob McGregor as Pou Ārahi Māori

AUCKLAND, Today: VML has just welcomed Jacob McGregor as their new Pou Ārahi Māori. In this role, Jacob will elevate the agency’s Māori cultural competency and serve as a liaison with Māori communities.

Fleur Head, VML Wellington’s Managing Director, expressed excitement about Jacob’s appointment. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob into the VML whānau. He brings with him a wealth of experience in Māori communications, engagement, tikanga, te reo Māori, and kawa.

We’re really looking forward to having him apply that expertise to the range of campaigns we create with, and for Māori.”

Fleur adds, “A few years ago, we began a journey to increase our agency’s Māori capability. As part of that we’ve partnered with Māori strategists and creatives, implemented an internal capability programme, and co-created a range of campaigns and advertisements with Māori audiences.

“It’s great to now be on the creative agency side. I don’t take this opportunity for granted at all!”

“Having Jacob as Pou Ārahi Māori in our leadership team represents another step forward on that journey,” says Fleur.

Jacob’s background includes significant roles in public service at Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Health. His projects included Ao Mai te Rā: the Anti-Racism Kaupapa and The Pae Tū: Hauora Māori Strategy.

Now at VML, Jacob will work to ensure the agency’s initiatives resonate with Māori communities. He commented, “I’m excited to build on the great work that VML already does, and to enhance it by embedding whakaaro Māori (Māori perspectives and ideologies) into how we operate.

“It’s a real privilege to represent my people and bring their wealth of knowledge and connections to this new position.”

Jacob is thrilled about the shift from government to the creative sector. “I’ve been a part of commissioning many campaigns in government over the past few years, so it’s great to now be on the creative agency side. I don’t take this opportunity for granted at all!”