Cindy Mokomoko is a transformative leader in Māori health and well-being, whose career spans decades of service to her community through innovative, culturally grounded mental health and addiction services. As the Managing Director of Te Puna Hauora Ki Uta Ki Tai in Tauranga Moana, Cindy continues to lead kaupapa Māori health initiatives that prioritize whānau ora and deliver transformative outcomes for Māori communities.
Cindy’s journey began as a community worker with Whaioranga Trust, one of the first marae-based health organisations established in 1980. Her leadership and vision transformed the Trust into a dynamic health and social services provider, including the establishment of the first kaupapa Māori general practice clinics in the Bay of Plenty.
Her pioneering efforts extended to her tenure at Māori Health Services at Tauranga Hospital, where she established and led a Kaupapa Māori Mental Health Service. Through tenacity and innovation, Cindy integrated primary and secondary mental health services, achieving outcomes mainstream services could not match.
Seven years ago, Cindy championed the devolution of kaupapa mental health services into the community, enabling greater autonomy and improving access to culturally aligned care. This shift has strengthened Te Puna Hauora Ki Uta Ki Tai, fostering better health outcomes and empowering whānau.
Cindy’s leadership has been tested through global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. She navigated the complexities of maintaining services amidst staffing changes, rebuilding a resilient leadership team, and implementing new support structures.
In response to a national workforce shortage, Cindy introduced non-clinical support services to complement kaupapa Māori mental health interventions. These include Peer Support, Mirimiri, and Health and Nutrition services. Her evaluation of Mirimiri services demonstrated its positive impact on mental health recovery, solidifying its role within the organisation.
Cindy remains the Chair of Ngā Mataapuna Oranga, the Kaupapa Māori Primary Health Organisation in the Western Bay of Plenty. Her governance contributions reflect her unwavering commitment to advancing Māori health equity.
Beyond her professional roles, Cindy leads a Tuakana-Teina Tamariki and Rangatahi Leadership Group, which she founded in 2008. She also works with Māori men through individual and group programmes, ensuring she stays grounded and connected to her community.
Cindy is pursuing a PhD through Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, with a planned submission in 2025. Her research investigates the role of cultural programmes in building resilience and well-being for at-risk Māori rangatahi, reflecting her commitment to creating evidence-based, culturally relevant solutions for Māori youth.
With over 36 years in kaupapa Māori health, Cindy remains as passionate today as she was at the start of her journey. She is recognised as a tenacious leader with a vision for excellence, a dedication to serving her people, and an unwavering belief in the power of kaupapa Māori solutions to transform lives.
Links:
Journal article: Mokomoko, C. (2021) Is a cultural and theoretical programme for at risk Māori rangatahi (youth) useful in the context of resilience and wellbeing? Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing, Te Mauri-Pimatisiwin. 6 (2) 68-79.
Sunmedia (Sunlive, Bay News) article: Access to phones vital for mental health workers 11 May 2020
Master's thesis: Mokomoko, C. (2020). Kia Whai Te Whakatekainga o Nga Turoro Wairangi. The Effectiveness of Discharge Planning for Maori Mental Health Patients. [Masters thesis: Massey University] MRO.
Waka Hourua Māori Research Symposium presentation in McClintock, K. (2019). Waka Hourua Māori Suicide Research Symposium 2019: KeyMessages. Te Rau Ora. P.14
Janice Kuka
Updated 30 December 2024
