Ko Ngā Rangatira

Te Rangimaria passion arises from his lived experience of addiction and the importance of including Māori cultural imperatives in delivering addiction support services in our communities.

Dr Peta Ruha is driven by a desire to give back to the whanau through her mahi in the health sector.

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.

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

Naomi Manu is a dedicated champion of Māori and rangatahi development. Known for establishing the Pūhoro STEM Academy, she has transitioned to Auraki Group Limited to focus on workforce development gaps beyond those the Pūhoro kaupapa designed to address.

Dr. Rees Tapsell has been involved in developing several Māori specific approaches to the provision of mental health care for Māori in both government and NGO settings for more than 30 years.