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

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Carlton Irving

Te Whakatōhea and Te Ūpokorehe

Carlton Irving has worked in paramedicine, emergency management, and advisory roles with the goal of creating better health support for Māori.

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.