Dr James Wharehuia Milroy QSO, CNZM (Ngai Tuhoe and Ngati Koura) was a professor of Maori at the University of Waikato from 1993 to 2000, having taught there since 1978. Because he is an exponent of the Maori language and an expert in Maori customary practices he is often consulted, including as an examiner of numerous master and PhD theses in English and Maori. Outside of academia, Te Wharehuia has served on many boards and committees including Te Ara Wananga, an advisory committee for the Online Encyclopedia of New Zealand; Te Papa Maori Advisory Committee; Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori; Tertiary Education Advisory Committee; Whakaruruhau Reo for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority; the New Zealand Geographic Board; the Waitangi Tribunal; Tautoko Maori Trust; and Te Kohanga Reo National Trust. In 2009 Te Wharehuia was awarded Te Tohu Aroha mo Ngoingoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi Award for strengthening Te Reo Rangatira. He was the inaugural Pou Aronui of Te Whainga Aronui/The Council for the Humanities. He received an honorary doctorate from The University of Waikato in 2005.