In a constantly changing world, the role of leadership is of ever increasing importance. In 2010, a series of wānanga (forums) were organised and facilitated by the Manu Ao Academy and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. The focus of the wānanga was contemporary Māori leadership. An array of presenters and speakers provided their thoughts, philosophies and experiences in leadership roles to the audience of, mainly, early career Māori academics. This paper is the reflection of one of those participants in regard to Māori academic leadership. It highlights some of the recurring themes presented during the wānanga as impotant features of Māori academic leadership, particularly the role of tikanga Māori and a Māori perspective of the world.