Kingi Kiriona

Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa

Kingi Kiriona is an orator, a kapa haka exponent, composer, educator, and broadcaster. His observation of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori as a tool for improving the health and well-being of iwi and Māori communities has driven Kingi to realise opportunities for Māori language and culture to be shared, embedded, and recognised through the health system.

In 2023, Kingi was appointed Deputy Chief Executive, Mātauranga Māori at Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority. His role is predicated on promoting hauora Māori solutions based on mātauranga Māori, which includes te reo and tikanga Māori. Accordingly, he provides guidance and insight on how such solutions may be located, supported, and developed across the sector.

He has more than 15 years of experience in the development of te ao Māori-focussed training programmes and in senior leadership and governance roles across the public and private sectors. His knowledge and experience will help lead to a system that is better aligned with Māori health workforce needs and the aspirations of iwi.

Kingi is also a songwriter who has created pieces based on social issues and Māori history. He has produced close to 100 waiata and haka. Some of his pieces have been used as a learning resource for children in schools throughout Aotearoa.

Links:

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Mara Andrews

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Whakatohea

Mara has many years of experience in Indigenous development across various sectors.

Kiriana Bird

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tukorehe

Dr Kiriana Bird is passionate about health, equity and Māori wellbeing.

Mapihi Raharuhi

Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Kea, Ngāti Tuara, Ngāti Waiora

Her whānau describes her as a pillar of strength, especially for emerging leaders within her whānau. It is my pleasure that I have the opportunity to write about Mapihi as a Māori leader.

Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora

Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Tūhoe

Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata

Ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tinā

To seek new knowledge as yet unexplored

As the past is purchased by the present