Carleen Heemi

Te Whakatōhea

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. 

Carleen grew up in Wairau, Blenheim, and has since returned to her hapori as a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist for Te Mahau.  Carleen is also working as a Project Advisor for the current review of the Speech and Language Therapy Accreditation Framework for the New Zealand Speech and Language Therapy Association.

Carleen actively contributes to the Omaka Marae branch of Te Roopu Wāhine Māori Toko I Te Ora (Māori Womens Welfare League), a revered organisation established in the 1950s.  Te Roopu Wāhine Māori Toko I Te Ora serve as spearheads, inspiring and resilient women who advocate for Māori wahine and their whānau. 

Supporting Māori Women to find their voice and use it, develop partnerships with other organisations who align with our goals, engage in positive initiatives, advocate for indigenous women all over the world, hold the government to account to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and believe in the potential of all.

Carleen is privileged to be a part of this kaupapa.  

Link:

An auntie network like no other

Profile By

Updated 7 November 2024

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Teah Anna Lee Carlson

Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngati Porou, Waikato-Tainui

Dr. Teah Carlson is a Kaupapa Māori researcher and evaluator dedicated to shifting power back to whānau and communities regarding the design and delivery of health services, workforce development, governance, qualitative methods, strategy, and evaluation

Jade Sewell

Ngāti Maru, Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Porou

Jade works to drive transformation and innovation within the current health system so that the hauora aspirations of communities are realised.  

Dr Keri Lawson-Te Aho, PhD (Psychology)

Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Samoan, Tahitian, Rarotongan, Native American (Blackfeet), McLaren clan (Scotland), Classen clan (Norway).

It is an honour to be asked to write this bio for my good friend Keri, a respected and renowned Māori leader.

Patrick Le Geyt

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa

Patrick Le Geyt has over 25 years of experience working in health and disability in the commercial, public, and not-for-profit sectors.