Heather Muriwai is a distinguished midwife and health leader whose career spans over 25 years of dedicated service to whānau, hapū, and iwi. Her work exemplifies the principles of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, advocating for equity and excellence in maternity care for Māori and Pacific communities.
Rooted in Taranaki, Heather’s connection to her whakapapa guides her mahi and vision for a healthier Aotearoa. Her ancestral links to Taranaki maunga, Aotea waka, and Waingongoro awa underpin her dedication to serving her people through culturally grounded healthcare practices.
Heather’s midwifery journey reflects her deep commitment to Māori health and well-being. Her roles include:
- Chief Clinical Officer Maternity, Ngā Āpiha Hauora | Manatū Hauora: Heather leads maternity care initiatives, ensuring the integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori principles across maternity services.
- Te Aka Whai Ora Chief Clinical Officer, Midwifery: Heather led and monitored changes to the health system's response to the health and wellbeing needs of Indigenous Māori people. She worked with Te Whatu Ora to lead and monitor changes to the health system, ensuring that services are equitable and culturally safe, removing barriers to make services easier to navigate for wāhine (women) and whānau (family) and integrating primary care services to make them more connected
- Principal Advisor, Family and Community Health Team, Te Whatu Ora: Heather advises on national health policies and practices, championing initiatives that enhance whānau-centred maternity care.
- Clinical Lead Midwife Māori, Counties Manukau DHB: Heather spearheaded efforts to align midwifery services with the aspirations of Māori and Pacific communities.
- LMC Liaison Midwife: Advocated for improved communication and collaboration between Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) and district health boards.
- Kaupapa Māori Midwifery Team Member, South Auckland: Provided culturally responsive care to whānau within a Māori NGO framework.
When Heather was working at Counties Manukau DHB, she was a member of the Māori Caucus within the SUDI Governance Group. Heather worked tirelessly to address inequities in sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) statistics. Her kaupapa focused on ensuring that SUDI prevention programmes met the needs of tangata whenua and Pasifika communities. Heather remains committed to the elimination of SUDI at both national and local levels.
Heather’s service extends beyond clinical practice. She is a champion for whānau-centered care, striving to create equitable health outcomes for Māori and Pacific families. Her vision is to foster a maternity care system where whānau feel supported, empowered, and respected throughout their journey.
Heather Muriwai’s leadership and dedication to Māori health leave an enduring legacy. Through her work, she exemplifies the principles of kotahitanga and manaakitanga, ensuring that whānau, hapū, and iwi receive culturally grounded care that reflects their aspirations and values.
Links:
Ngā Maia Trust and the College of Midwives Article – Heather Muriwai
Waatea news - Midwife support helps wellness, May 25, 2023
Te Aronga-a-Hine Consolidated Summary of Evidence and Recommendations September 2020
Updated 31 December 2024
