Dr Heather Gifford

Ngāti Hauiti, Te Atihaunui ā Papārangi

What is leadership, and how is it manifest in this competitive world? The challenge to write about Māori leaders is timely. Only recently have I, as a Māori woman academic, come to understand the critical qualities of a true leader. My ability to answer this question is a consequence of having had the rare opportunity and honour to work as a researcher alongside, and under the guidance and direction of, Dr Heather Gifford. Having worked closely with Heather now for some eight years I can readily identify those aspects of leadership which propel me to strive both for excellence in the academic world and towards a philosophy of service for our people. The qualities of leadership demonstrated by this wahine toa, who is recognised not only as a leader amongst the people of Ngāti Hauiti, but also as a leader in the field of tobacco control research, are myriad.

A great Māori leader is visionary, passionate, inspiring, tireless in their commitment to their people, staunch, unselfish, encouraging, loving, and demanding of excellence. These attributes have all been demonstrated in Heather’s journey to develop and run the first, and so far only, iwi-owned, Māori health research centre in Aotearoa. Emerging from a deep-seated passion and love for iwi, Heather envisioned a stand alone, academic research entity under the auspices of, and mandated by iwi at a time when such an idea seemed impossible.

Leaders are, however, of no use unless they lead – which means they must inspire people to follow. Leaders are able to identify the unique contribution each person can make to a vision, draw out those unique skills and abilities and bring together a team to give effect to the vision. Heather inspired such a team and now ten years on from that initial idea, Whakauae Research represents the “coming to life” of that vision. Whakauae Research occupies a unique place in the academy, marrying academic excellence with research that meets needs and desires of the people of Ngāti Hauiti, and Māori whānau more broadly. It is Heather’s legacy, the legacy of a true Māori leader.

 

Profile By

Dr Amohia Boulton

Updated 21 November 2024

 

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Dr Helaman Luki-Tumuaki

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngai Tahu, Ngāti Hāmoa, Ngāti Niue hoki

Helaman Luki is a dynamic emerging leader in Māori and Pacific health.

Cazna Luke

Ngāi Tahu, Te Rarawa

Cazna Luke is dedicated to enabling whānau, hapū, and tribal aspirations, firmly believing in their ability to shape their own destinies.

Boudine Brown

Waitaha, Kāi Tahu

Becoming a doctor has always been Boudine's dream, and the chance to give back to her community drives her. Her journey has been made possible through the support of her whānau and generous scholarships.

Jeremy Murray

Tauranga Moana, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto

He is passionate about using traditional Māori forms of exercise and healing in his mentoring and training roles.