MSW, PGCertHealthSc, PGCertTertiary, BA, CertSWK

Joseph Tyro is a highly respected leader in Māori health, social services, and governance, with over 30 years of experience in health, education, and community development. Currently serving as Principal Advisor Workforce at Health New Zealand, he plays a crucial role in shaping workforce strategies that support Māori health equity. He is also the founder of a specialist consultancy firm, offering expertise in workforce development, governance, and kaupapa Māori health.

Joseph’s introduction to the health sector began at just eight years old, when he supported his grandmother, Mekura Tuatini Taiaroa, through her cancer journey and treatment. She later became the National Cervical Screening Kaumātua, inspiring him to pursue a career in health and make a meaningful impact in Māori communities.

His career began at just 16 years old as a youth worker, later leading school holiday programmes in his community. Following a period in San Diego, USA, playing rugby and working with his uncle, he returned home to pursue higher education and frontline health work. Over the years, he has worked across Oranga Tamariki, Emerge Aotearoa, Te Poutama Arahi Rangatahi, IHC, Stepping Stones Trust, Kakakura Health Services, Lyttelton Youth Centre, and as Kaihautū Matua for Barnardos.

Determined to further his education, Joseph earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA)  in Māori and Sociology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Canterbury. He also completed postgraduate qualifications in health at Auckland University of Technology. Balancing multiple jobs while studying, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to his goals.

His expertise led him to Canterbury District Health Board, where he progressed from Pūkenga Atawhai Māori Health Worker to Clinical Manager, earning a CDHB Clinical Excellence and Innovation Award for his family protection and social work contributions. He later transitioned into academia as a Social Work Lecturer at Ara Institute of Canterbury and a Supervisor for Open Polytechnic New Zealand.

Joseph’s leadership and governance expertise are reflected in his extensive board roles, spanning health, education, and social services. He currently serves as:

• Chair, Ngāti Wheke Hauora Committee – Leading initiatives such as Taurite Tū, Whānau Ora, and rural health education.
• Founding Director, Te Matāpuna Health Ltd – A Māori health collective of five hapū, focused on strengthening community health services.
• Board Member, Whakatuputupu – One of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects.
• Board Member, Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workers Association
• Board Member,  Ngā Pou Mana Tangata Whenua Allied Health.
• Board Member, Presbyterian Support (Upper South),
• Board Member, Wāitaha Māori Rugby, Te Waipounamu Māori Rugby,
• Board Member, Tāne Whai Ora – Canterbury Men’s Centre.
• Deputy Chair, National Schools for Tamariki with Neurodiversity & Intellectual Disabilities – Appointed by the Minister of Education.
• Chairperson, Pura Pura Whetū – A kaupapa Māori NGO dedicated to mental health and addiction services.
• Board Member, New Zealand Decentralised Clinical Trials (Cancer Research)
• STOP,
• Reconnect Family Services in South Auckland.
• Trustee, Manawā Kawhiu – Supporting youth programmes in his local community.

Joseph Tyro also serves as Kaihautū Māori at Hohepa Canterbury, an intellectual disability provider. He is also actively engaged in governance roles with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Australian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group, contributing to Indigenous health advancement in these sectors.

A firm advocate for kaupapa Māori research, Joseph chairs national health research groups focusing on cancer treatment, prevention, and Māori-led clinical trials. His work has contributed to shaping policies that strengthen Māori health outcomes and ensuring culturally responsive healthcare delivery.

From an early age, Joseph was involved in governance and youth leadership, joining the local Youth Council in response to high suicide rates in his community. His dedication has been recognised through multiple youth and community leadership awards. 

Joseph continues to serve his local community through:

• Supporting Māori Rugby as Kaitiaki & Rangatira, promoting hauora and wellbeing.
• Leading Māori governance in health, education, and research sectors.
• Ensuring Māori-led solutions drive policy and service design.

“Everything I do is for my whānau, my tūpuna, and the generations yet to come. Ko ngā mahi katoa e mahia ana e au, ko te painga mō koe, ngā tūpuna me ngā pēpi.”  Through unwavering commitment to Māori health, governance, and social wellbeing, Joseph Tyro remains a formidable force in shaping the future of Aotearoa’s healthcare landscape.

Links:

New Zealand Medical Journal: Process of development of decentralised clinical trial methodology for cancer clinical trials in Aotearoa, Vol. 137 | No. 1607 | 13 December 2024

Te Aka Kumara: Joseph Tyro - Helping to improve health outcomes for Māori

Penny for your Thoughts Audio: In Conversation with Joseph Tyro, 15 July 2024

Institute of Directors Article: Two emerging Canterbury directors recognised by IoD, 6 October 2023

Halswell College – Board of Trustees 
 

Educating all South Canterbury Health Board staff on te ao Māori. Stuff article 23 August 2021
 

Taking South Canterbury's Māori health to the next level Stuff article 17 April 2019