Ko Ngā Rangatira

Isaac's background lies in exercise physiology and the role of physical activity in improving Māori health and reducing health inequities.

Mataku-Ariki de Roo is passionate about creating kaupapa Māori spaces for people to share their experiences of mental health and suicide prevention and postvention.

Maraea Mokaraka is passionate about whānau transformation and building healthy communities.

Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri works as a surgeon and researcher to improve Māori well-being and experiences in healthcare.

Carleen Heemi plays a pivotal role in her community as a Speech and Language Therapist, advocate for normalising Te Reo Māori and seeing all those around her reach their full potential. 

She is dedicated to advancing Māori health services and instilling a Māori perspective and presence into the academic and clinical side of the hōhipera.

Recognised as an emerging leader, Selwyn Te Paa continues to combine clinical practice, research excellence, and cultural advocacy, making meaningful contributions to advancing Māori health equity.

Aaryn Niuapu has a long history of strategically championing the voices of tāngata whai ora, whānau, and hāpori in mental health and addiction service design, delivery, and governance.

Having personally experienced severe addiction and depression, anxiety, homelessness, incarceration, and Chris is now dedicated to supporting others struggling with drug and alcohol dependency an addictions practitioner and creative therapy consultant.

Māia Lockyer is currently a 3rd-year medical student at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago.

She supports those who suffer from mental health issues and drug use, helping them to reconnect with themselves, their whānau, culture, and society.