Gina Chaffey-Aupouri is a Mama, Nanny, Daughter, Māori Woman Welfare League National Executive and an East Coast Rural Health Nurse based in Ruatoria. She has been a dedicated advocate for nurses' rights and a pillar of healthcare in her community for over 45 years.

Throughout her career, Gina has provided extensive healthcare Māori health education and shared her knowledge of tikanga across the Tairāwhiti area. During the Gabrielle floods, Gina was the logistic nurse during the civil defence emergency for Tairāwhiti.

As a New Zealand Nurses Organisation delegate, Gina champions pay parity for Māori and iwi provider nurses. She has also actively engaged with the Government to highlight the demanding work environment nurses face. In recognition of her outstanding service to Māori, she was honoured with the Queen's Service Medal in the 2022 New Year's Honours.

Beyond her commitments in medicine, Gina advocates for Ngati Porou, delivering essential Māori health education and empowering whānau, hapu, and iwi through community development. Her contributions include sharing iwi knowledge, organising events, and supporting Kaupapa alongside community elders. Additionally, Gina volunteers as Operational Support with the Tokomaru Bay Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Gina's dedication to nurses' rights stems from a deep understanding of nurses' sacrifices. Reflecting on this, she emphasises the importance of self-care and safety in the workplace. "Initially, I would just keep working to the end… if you don’t look after yourself, no one else is, so I think safety is identifying that – the importance of rejuvenating yourself."

Gina engages in activities like kapa haka or hīkoi to prioritise her wellness.

Links:

Maranga Mai! Health and safety — nurses use the power of the law for a safer workplace

‘Nurses need more Government help.’

New Year Honours 2022 - Citations for the Queen's Service Medal

East Coast nurses and health care assistants to join 24-hour strike

Māori say Treaty referendum would trigger widespread protest