Glenis (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Clan McDonald) is an experienced senior leader and the first person to be appointed to the position of Assistant Māori Commissioner. She has thirty years of experience as a community advocate, a senior public service leader and in working with whānau, hapū and iwi to recover mātauranga Māori.

In her role, she is driven to ensure all tamariki know their whakapapa, are connected to their whānau and grow up to be amazing tipuna for the generations to follow.