Dr Kathie Irwin MNZM, PHD, MInstD is a third generation Māori, woman, educator. Her whakapapa is traced from diverse sources: Ngāti Porou, Rakaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu, the Orkney Islands, Scotland and Ireland.This interview outlines how public service and social justice are deeply embedded in her bloodlines. Her passion inspires her to contribute to nation building in innovative and creative ways that are framed by Ngāti Porou tipuna Sir Apirana Ngata’s whakatauākī (proverb) “E tipu, e rea”. This proverb speaks to the possibilities of bicultural and bilingual models of change that create authentic social inclusion, cultural intelligence and pluralism.Throughout her career Kathie has championed Māori Development, anti-racist education and Mana Wahine / Māori Feminisms.