Ko Ngā Rangatira

Tapeka's passion for advancing Māori oral health is palpable and deeply rooted in a profound understanding of the significance of oral health within Māori culture.

Dr Nadine Houia-Ashwell is a trailblazing Māori doctor and health researcher whose leadership is grounded in whakapapa, shaped by lived experience, and driven by a deep love for whānau.

Maia Mariner founded Lazy Sneakers, a not-for-profit organisation that collects and redistributes reusable sneakers for free. Maia is just 18. She came up with this idea at 12 and has enabled tamariki to participate in sports and other activities across Pōneke and around the country with a simple pair of shoes. She became one of the country's youngest entrepreneurs.

As an aspiring Māori Health practitioner, she is on the path to becoming a future Māori health leader.

Dr. Carrie Clifford is passionate about cultural and intergenerational well-being practices and their potential contributions to overall hauora.

Cyrus Rudd is a promising young individual who is deeply committed to using his knowledge and experiences to inspire and uplift others, especially those with lived experiences of mental distress.

Patrick Salmon is an advocate and public voice for ways to share and uphold the well-being of Māori in modern-day society. He uses his creative skills and innovative thinking to develop solutions that support the oranga aspirations of a person's life journey.

Charlizza Matehe utilises her creative and artistic abilities to facilitate challenging conversations around mental health with young people.

From a young age, Chloe Fergusson-Tibble aspired to become a doctor. Throughout her studies, she maintains a steadfast commitment to incorporating Māori healthcare approaches by staying connected to her whakapapa.