Ko Ngā Rangatira

JT’s vision, leadership and genuine crossover appeal with Pākehā, has become a loss to politics but a major victory for urban Māori.

Passionate about quality Māori mental health and addiction services, innovative workforce programmes, solutions-focused and absolutely determined are the words that first come to mind about Louise. 

John Whaanga is of Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Rongomaiwahine descent. He is known for his work in Māori health, Māori education, and iwi development.

Selina Elkington is a leading Māori addiction practitioner whose mahi is dedicated to improving the impact of systemic inequities on Māori communities.

Gilbert Taurua is deeply passionate about using a Māori perspective in law reform concerning health, justice, inequality, and prisons. Gilbert has extensive experience in Treaty of Waitangi principles, Whānau Ora, their application to health pathways, Te Reo Māori, Tikanga, and government processes.

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.

Her work is focused on ensuring future health services are firmly underpinned by a kaupapa Māori approach, informed by mātauranga Māori and lived experience.

Grant Berghan specialises in Māori development and possesses extensive experience in policy, programme development, funding, leadership development and public health in Aotearoa.

Nadine is passionate about working collectively through the trusted voices of our people to enable strategies that prioritise and lead the change towards future-focused models of wellbeing that ensure our whānau, hapū, and iwi thrive and flourish.

He warmly describes his kaupapa as doing science that prioritises Māori health.