Chloe Fergusson-Tibble

Te Hikutu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa

Since a young age, Chloe Fergusson-Tibble has wanted to be a doctor. During her studies, she has remained focused on her own whakapapa to ensure she stays committed to using Māori approaches in healthcare. Chloe is now in her final year of medical school at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

During her time in Māori mental health services, she has witnessed firsthand the health inequities Māori face. She has also observed how very few people in health services have the ability or confidence to work in a tikanga-based way. These experiences motivated Chloe to pursue a career in medicine with the goal of becoming a doctor who embraces Māori values.

Throughout her degree, she has been part of the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) at the University of Auckland. Being a MAPAS student has provided her with an evidence-based understanding of the health inequities Māori encounter. The scheme offers support beyond maths and biology classes by teaching students the language needed to communicate with whānau about health issues.

Chloe is passionate about providing whānau with access to Māori doctors. She believes that the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine could have been more Te Tiriti-based. To assist whānau in making informed decisions, she emphasises the need for wānanga where Māori can engage in open discussions with one another about their experiences, questions, fears, and reservations. For this to be effective, it should be facilitated by Māori who possess technical medical expertise and knowledge of te ao Māori and the process of wānanga.

Links:

As a doctor, being Māori is my superpower

Chloe Fergusson-Tibble says being given the choice to vaccinate is important for tāngata whaiora

Celebrating Māori writing and storytelling

Fighting misinformation: ‘We need to wānanga’

Chloe Fergusson-Tibble says being given the choice to vaccinate is important for tāngata whaiora

Tū Pakari, Tū Taha – Tangata Whaiora hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Horiana Williams

Ngāti Kahungunu, Te-Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata

Horiana Williams has worked in the health sector for over ten years, supporting various businesses and organisations in quality and compliance, foundation assessments, contract reporting, strategic planning, and governance.

Dr Candy Louise Ramarihi Hera Cookson-Cox

Ngāti Rangiteaorere, Ngāti Uenukukopako, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāi Tahu

Dr Candy Louise Ramarihi Hera Cookson-Cox has been my mentor, colleague and friend for over twenty years, the first Māori nurse to gain a doctorate in education, a rarity in the early 2000’s

Louise Leonard

Ngā Puhi

Passionate about mental health and addiction nursing and the role of Nurse Practitioners, Louise believes in making a difference in the lives of tangata whaiora and whanau who face substance-related harm and co-occurring mental and physical health challenges.
Professor Rawinia Higgins has dedicated many years of service as one of the country's leading experts on Māori language revitalisation, specialising in Language Planning and Policy. She leads and develops many initiatives that provide better outcomes and opportunities for Māori.