Kahurangi Fergusson-Tibble has focused his career on the mental health, addictions, and disabilities sector. Interested in using Māori traditional healing, he is a Romiromi practitioner. He draws on his upbringing and mentors' guidance to inform his current approach.
Kahurangi grew up in West Auckland, gained a Bachelor of Arts in Māori from Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, and studied at Te Taketake, a two-year part-time programme designed for adult tauira (students) already working in the mental health and addictions sector. The programme is recognised by the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa-New Zealand, the relevant professional body for addiction practitioners.
He currently serves as a Principal Advisor Māori at Te Pou, a national workforce centre for mental health, addiction, and disability in New Zealand. Te Pou collaborates with mental health and addiction services, and disability organisations to understand their priorities and workforce challenges. They then employ their expertise to address these recognised needs.
In this capacity, he advises on matters concerning the Māori population of Aotearoa regarding mental health, addiction, and disability. He provides guidance to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership team, and staff on Māori projects that impact and engage with Māori communities. He also aids in directing Te Pou internally to become a better Te Tiriti partner.
Kahurangi and his wife Dr Chloe Fergusson-Tibble are committed in supporting the sector, assist individuals working in the mental health, addictions, and disabilities sector in enhancing their engagement with Māori communities. They achieve this by offering professional, cultural, and peer supervision in these sectors and designing programmes from the grassroots level in communities.
Kahurangi follows proudly in the footsteps of his late father, honouring his legacy by caring for the communities that have nurtured and continue to support his whānau.
Links:
Te Whāriki o te Ara Oranga (Whāriki) Manukura | Kahurangi Fergusson-Tibble, 13 December 2024
Pūkōrero Podcast - Episode 17 - a chat with Kahurangi Fergusson-Tibble Pūkōrero Podcast 19 July 2023 (Audio)
11 April 2025
