Dr Nicolas (Nic) Sinnott

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa

Dr Nic Sinnott is passionate about reshaping healthcare to better serve Māori communities.

MBChB

Dr Nic Sinnott is driven to transform healthcare systems to uplift and better serve Māori communities.

A proud Māori doctor, a graduate from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), who is deeply committed to both general practice and Māori health, to remove barriers that prevent communities from accessing vital medical care. 

Nic’s dedication to Māori wellbeing was significantly shaped by his internship with the Māori Health team at the Hawke's Bay DHB, where he recognized the need for healthcare models tailored to community needs. He also previously served as Tumuaki of Te Oranga, the Māori Medical Students’ Association, actively advocating for Māori medical students and hauora Māori within medical education.

Nic's commitment extends beyond clinical practice; he co-founded and taught highly successful Te Reo Māori classes at the University of Otago Medical School, empowering future healthcare professionals with cultural competency essential for effective practice.

Married to Laura Gemmell and father to Pikau, Nic embodies a holistic approach to health that integrates whakapapa, culture, and compassionate care. He continues to inspire as an emerging Māori leader dedicated to creating equitable health outcomes for all.

Links:

University of Otago Article: Ones to Watch: Nic Sinnott 06 August 2021 

Royal Society Te Apārangi: 2017 Powering Potential Presentations Video presentation

Profile By

29 May 2025

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Nasya Thompson

Ngāti Raukawa

She is dedicated to advancing Māori health services and instilling a Māori perspective and presence into the academic and clinical side of the hōhipera.

Mahinaarangi Robinson

Ngāti Maniapoto

She supports those who suffer from mental health issues and drug use, helping them to reconnect with themselves, their whānau, culture, and society.

Megan Tahere

Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi

I first came to know Megan as her external peer supervisor when she enrolled to do a Master’s Degree.

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.