Dr Kimiora Henare is a pioneering Māori cancer researcher committed to transforming oncology through kaupapa Māori-driven research. His work integrates cutting-edge biomedical science with mātauranga Māori, ensuring culturally responsive and equitable healthcare solutions. With a focus on cancer immunology and precision medicine, Dr Henare is at the forefront of creating better health outcomes for Māori.

Kimiora says his mum and dad always inspired him to pursue higher learning and research. He fondly remembers many discussions over the years with his dad, the late Dr Mānuka Henare, an associate professor in Māori business development and expert on He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, about genetics, genetic engineering, research, and Te Tiriti. A health focus was encouraged by his mum, Diane, a giant in occupational therapy, in both service delivery and training.

Kimiora’s passion for biology and health equity led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland (2001–2003), followed by a Master of Health Science in Pathology (2004–2006) at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre. He later completed a PhD in Biomedical Science (2014), focusing on novel cancer treatments through immunotherapy. His doctoral  research, Targeting the Tumour Stroma for the Treatment of Melanoma, laid the foundation for his career in oncology.

“We want Māori insights and world views and ideas and brilliance – especially as it pertains to Māori health. For Māori by Māori, in all areas, has a demonstratively positive impact. It’s also a fundamental right for Māori to be able to self-determine what pathway that we want. The fact is we know the statistics; we hear about them daily. We're tired of labouring those statistics and talking about how sick we are “– Dr Kimiora Henare.

Kimiora is currently the Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Molecular Medicine & Pathology at the University of Auckland. Dr Henare leads projects that harness the immune system to target cancer while integrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into health research. His advocacy extends beyond research, ensuring Māori perspectives are embedded in science, medicine, and education.

Dr Henare holds multiple leadership roles, championing Māori participation in scientific research and policy:

• Co-chair, He Akoranga Whakahoungia – Leading Māori representation in the New Zealand Society for Oncology
• Pae Rangahau Lead, Hei Āhuru Mōwai – Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa
• Co-convenor, Summer Internships for Indigenous Peoples in Genomics (SING) Aotearoa
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland
• NETwork! & Rakeiora Programme Contributor – creating a roadmap for Māori engagement for clinical cancer genomics

Dr Henare’s research focuses on cancer genomics, immunotherapies, and systemic inequities in cancer care. His contributions include:

• Health Research Council Māori Emerging Research Leader Grant (2024) – “My research seeks to understand precision oncology and the workforce capacity and capabilities needed to deliver it equitably – starting with Māori – and establish a roadmap for growing the expertise needed.”
• HRC Eru Pōmare Pastdoctoral Fellowship. Strengthening Māori health workforce capacity
• Multiple ublications in Leading Medical Journals

Dr Henare is deeply committed to increasing Māori participation in health sciences. Through initiatives like MAPAS (Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme) and Māori-led postgraduate mentoring, he is ensuring the next generation of Māori researchers thrive.

His mission is clear: to build a Māori-led scientific workforce that can navigate complex cancer treatments while ensuring mātauranga Māori is valued in global health research.

"Māori insights and worldviews belong in science. We must move beyond just discussing inequities—we must create change." – Dr Kimiora Henare

Links:

Dr Kimiora Henare Google Scholar Profile links to publications

Research Gate Profile - Kimiora Henare links to publications

Summer internship for Indigenous peoples in Genomics (SING) Aotearoa Team Profile

The Māori Health Committee of the Health Research Council of New Zealand Te Ara Paerangi - Future Pathways submission

The Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery – Affiliate Investigator

Kimiora, H. et al. (2024). The Power of Genomics In Garvey, G. (Ed.), Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and Cancer (pp. 367-371). Springer Nature.

Mapping a route to Indigenous engagement in cancer genomic research Abstract

University of Auckland Strong Māori workforce needed in cancer treatment, Article, 6 June 2024

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao Dr Kimiora Henare.  Article

In Pursuit 2025 Cancer Research and Innovation Conference! 6-7 March 2025 Dr Kimiora Henare Bio