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.

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.

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.

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.

Eugene says his leadership approach has always been to lead from behind and the side. However, he also takes on the words of Selwyn Katene (Māori Public Health Leadership Wānanga, 2002), 'Someone has got to step up the front, rather than looking around for a leader, stop looking...you're it!'

Ka kohi te toi, ka whai te maramatanga

When knowledge is gathered, enlightenment will follow.

Atawhai's advice to young people is to do as many different things as possible to find your voice. "I started off doing law and kapa haka. I ended up in policy and economic measurement. I tried many things. I have landed where I was meant to be. Kia kaha tatou!"

Horiana Williams has worked in the health sector for over ten years, supporting various businesses and organisations in quality and compliance, foundation assessments, contract reporting, strategic planning, and governance.

Maria Ngawati has always been dedicated to increasing opportunities within her community in several ways. She believes you can achieve change by using many tools and cross-sector relationships.