He Rangatira Leaders

Recognised for their contributions, service, vision, dedication and expertise towards constructive change and improvement to Māori health. We invite you to explore the Maori leaders who influence and contribute to Māori health and wellbeing.

Be inspired. Aspire.

Riki Nia Nia

Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tonga

Riki is most passionate about seeing more Māori enter careers in the health workforce. He strongly believes this will add to the necessary intelligence and capability the system requires to perform more effectively for whānau.

Dr Makarena Diana Dudley (Margaret Dudley) NZOM

Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu

Dr Dudley grew up in central Auckland as one of eight siblings and attended Blockhouse Bay Primary and Intermediate Schools and Lynfield College.

Nicola Ehau

Ngāti Porou

Nicola Ehau has spent over 40 years providing support and expertise in mental health, Māori health, and workforce planning.

Lorraine Hetaraka

Ngāti Kahu, Tapuika, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui,

Lorraine Hetaraka is the Chief Nurse at the Ministry of H

Dr Glenn Doherty

Ngāti Porou

Dr Glenn Doherty has held multiple roles in the health sector, which has resulted in a strategic, innovative, and inclusive leadership style. An essential feature of Glenn’s day-to-day focus is teaching and mentoring the next generation of health professionals.

Bridgette Masters-Awatere

Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngai te Rangi

Alongside her mahi in health, she has been a leader in Kaupapa Māori Psychology studies.

Fiona Wiremu

Tūhoe,Hāmua, Te Mahurehure, Ngāti Koura, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai Tamarāwaho

Her focus is to help collective efforts aimed at addressing the inequities Māori and vulnerable persons experience within the existing health system.

Dean Rangihuna

Ngati Porou, Ngati Hei

He has extensive experience in crisis resolution, forensic, adult, child, and youth inpatient services, focusing on reducing restraint and seclusion incidents for Māori.

Dr Peta Ruha

Ngāti Awa

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

Gilbert Taurua

Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kāwa, Ati Haunui A Pāpārangi, Ngāti Pāmoana

Gilbert Taurua is deeply passionate about using a Māori perspective in law reform concerning health, justice, inequality, and prisons. Gilbert has extensive experience in Treaty of Waitangi principles, Whānau Ora, their application to health pathways, Te Reo Māori, Tikanga, and government processes.