Mathew Kiore is a visionary Māori health leader, cultural practitioner, and advocate whose life’s work is anchored in service to whānau, hapū, and iwi. With more than two decades of experience across education, justice, and health, he brings a transformative, kaupapa Māori approach to systems leadership, grounded in mātauranga Māori, wairua,lived experience and system transformation,
Mathew currently serves as Manager of the National Centre for Māori Suicide Prevention at Te Rau Ora, where he leads national strategies to support whānau and communities impacted by suicide. As Principal Advisor Service Design – Oranga Hinengaro for Te Aka Whai Ora, he played a pivotal role in reshaping Māori mental health services with a focus on equity, cultural humility, and tikanga-driven solutions. As Strategic Engagement lead for Te Whatu Ora South Island Commissioning team he was able to support pivotel work across the motu, impacting models of care to address inequity.
“I am Māori by design. I carry the energy of our atua, my mauri is mine to protect and share with my descendants.”
Born in Murihiku and raised on the whenua of Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, and Rapuwai, Mathew founded Kia Whai Hina, a traditional healing and suicide prevention kaupapa that reconnects whānau to the whenua and moana through mahinga kai, rongoā Māori, and tūpuna-informed practice. A certified practitioner in mirimiri, romiromi, and wairuatanga, Mathew has delivered healing and reconnection to both urban and rural communities across Aotearoa.
His leadership also spans governance, strategy, and education. He has held key roles including:
- Youth Justice Coordinator, Te Hou Ora
- Rongoā practitioner & mentor
- Board Member, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti
- Executive Board Member, United Nations Otago
- Complaints Assessment Committee – Teaching Council of Aotearoa
- Local, Regional and National Māori Rugby governance
- Chair, Dunedin Postvention Group
- Director of TOA Training
- Osteo and Physio National Summit and Research groups.
Mathew's holistic worldview is reflected in every part of his life. A dedicated father, partner, and community connector, he lives his values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and equity—whether designing mental health services or gathering kai moana with whanau.
Mathew is leads a new generation of Māori health leaders—restoring wellbeing by honouring the past and reimagining a future where hauora Māori is led by Māori, for Māori, with tikanga at its heart. He has dedicated his career to challenging systems and creating space for Indigenous solutions, holding leadership roles across health, education, and social services.
His experience spans strategic engagement, principal advisory, governance, kaupapa Māori education, and rongoā practice. Grounded in lived experience and cultural clarity, Mathew brings a unique ability to turn complex theory into practical, whānau-driven solutions. His strength lies in connection—whether at policy tables or out in the paddocks—building strong relationships across Aotearoa and inspiring whānau to move boldly toward a future where our mokopuna thrive.
“Equity isn’t something we hope for—it’s something we build, together, from our own stories and tikanga.”
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21 May 2025
