Ko Ngā Rangatira

Mathew's holistic worldview is reflected in every part of his life. A dedicated father, partner, and community connector, he lives his values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and equity—whether designing mental health services or gathering kai moana with whanau.

Adele Hauwai is a mentor and facilitator who strongly focuses on supporting and contributing to mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention work.

Noah Appleby is a rising Māori health leader whose research and advocacy are reshaping the future of hauora Māori.

Adele Tohiariki is an aspiring Māori medical practitioner and champion for Māori representation in the health sector.

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.

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. 

Dr Matt Wheeler is a leading Māori haematologist, physician, and tireless advocate for health equity, whose influence spans medicine, policy, and national discourse.

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.

Grace Tairua is a wife and mother of four girls who is currently in her second year at Wintec studying for a Bachelor of Nursing.

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.

Kelly is committed to enhancing the well-being of her community, using her knowledge and experience to support and empower individuals and whānau.