Ko Ngā Rangatira

Mason Durie has spent most of his life as a leader. He grew up with his two brothers in Feilding and all three went to Te Aute College in Hawkes Bay, where Mason became Head Prefect in 1956 and 1957.

Her inspiration is for the aspiration of oranga tonu both physically and spiritually.

Few people can deal with pressing problems in the present and, simultaneously build platforms relevant to the future. Tariana Turia has shown how both are possible. Well before entering Parliament, she fostered community cohesion and responsiveness to adversity and disadvantage. She did so in a manner that led to strong, sustainable leadership within her whānau, hapū and iwi and helped generate greater awareness for health and the positive roles communities might play.

Emeritus Professor John Broughton has dedicated over 30 years to Māori oral health, injury prevention, and Kaupapa Māori research methods. In recognition of his services to Māori health, theatre, and the community, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2016.

Sir Mark Wiremu Solomon is widely known for his commitment and contribution to his iwi and the broader well-being of all New Zealanders and the environment. In addition, he is recognised for the attention he has brought to addressing family violence.

She is an inspirational leader of Māori development locally, regionally and nationally. She is renowned for her contribution to individuals, families, and communities. An educator, leader of innovation and best practice, a key advisor to the Health and Disability Commissioner, mediator, keynote speaker, author and songwriter.

Riki is most passionate about seeing more Māori enter careers in the health workforce. He strongly believes this will add to the necessary intelligence and capability the system requires to perform more effectively for whānau.

Kirsty has worked in Māori health service delivery and national workforce development for over 20 years. 

In 2022, Joanne was appointed the first wāhine Māori Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine. Working for over 20 years in the Dunedin School of Medicine, Joanne has shown that she is committed to making a real difference in education and health for individuals, whānau and communities through teaching, research, and service.

Sarah Kinred is a trained teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching and creating programs for students. Sarah also has over ten years of experience working as a Mātauranga Māori specialist within mental health and addictions, and she is committed to ensuring that tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake is paramount for Māori, especially when engaging in the health system.