Professor David Tipene-Leach has dedicated his career to improving Māori health and driving systemic change in public health, medical education, and Indigenous research. As a general practitioner and public health physician, he has had a pivotal role in shaping Māori health strategies and been a relentless advocate for culturally responsive healthcare.

Hailing from Pōrangahau, Professor Tipene-Leach’s whakapapa is deeply rooted in Ngāti Kere and Ngāti Manuhiri. His passion for improving health outcomes for Māori stems from his grandmother, Ernestine Hine-i-taria Tipene, a traditional midwife, community health leader and lifelong MWWL member who inspired his journey into medicine.

His career spans over four decades, weaving together clinical practice, research, governance, and policy advocacy to embed kaupapa Māori approaches in healthcare.

Professor Tipene-Leach is widely known for his groundbreaking work in:

• The prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), later known as SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy)
• Pioneering the wahakura, a woven flax bassinet that provides a culturally appropriate and safe co-sleeping option for Māori whānau
• The Safe Sleep programme, including the wahakura and its plastic counterpart, the Pēpi-Pod, has reduced infant mortality by 30% in six years.
• Ongoing national advocacy for safe sleep and SUDI Prevention Coordination Service 

His research and advocacy have led to systemic changes in Māori public health, with the Ministry of Health implementing nationwide wahakura distribution in 2017.

Professor Tipene-Leach has held influential leadership roles in Māori health governance, ensuring that equity and cultural safety remain at the heart of Aotearoa’s health system:

• Professor of Māori and Indigenous Research, Eastern Institute of Technology Te Aho a Māui  – Leading research and postgraduate Māori health programmes.
• Chairperson, Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa (Māori Medical Practitioners Association) and Founding Chair in 1996, Board member and leader in Māori medical workforce development.
• Co-Chair, Te Tira Takimano, Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga – Electoral College for NPM
• Ministerial Advisory Group on the Health System (2017)  Appointed to provide strategic direction on Māori health policy.
• Health Quality & Safety Commission Advisory Board (Mortality Review Committee)– Contributing to national health service improvements.

He has also served on the Advisory Committee on Primary Health Care, the Alcohol Advisory Council, and the National Child and Youth Mortality Committee.

Through his leadership, Professor Tipene-Leach has played a pivotal role in ensuring Māori perspectives are embedded in national health strategies, clinical practice, and medical education. His contributions over the past four decades have been widely recognised with prestigious honours, including:

• Tahunui-a-Rangi Medal (2020) Royal Society Te Apārangi – Recognised for his groundbreaking work in SUDI prevention.
• Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2018) – Acknowledged for his outstanding service to Māori health.
• Distinguished Fellowship, Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (2016) – Celebrated for his impact on Māori health research and clinical excellence.
• Mārire Goodall Award (2006) – Awarded by Māori Medical Practitioners for exemplary leadership in advancing Māori health.

Through his extensive research, policy influence, and leadership in Māori medical education, Professor Tipene-Leach has created a lasting impact in Aotearoa’s health sector. His commitment to kaupapa Māori health solutions ensures that future generations of Māori practitioners, researchers, and health leaders will continue to build on his legacy.

"We must create Māori-led solutions for Māori health issues, ensuring our whānau, hapū, and iwi thrive for generations to come."

Links:

EIT’s Te Kura Article  I Awarua Rangahau Research Māori Centre Scoops Top Awards 26 November 2024 

Health Research Council: Nourishing Hawke’s Bay: Pātaka Kai, 2024

University of Auckland - Changemaker: Professor David Tipene-Leach, E Tangata Interview 12 June 2023

Health Quality & Safety Commission: Update on changes to the national mortality review function (March 2023) 

Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa| Māori Medical Practitioners Association Our Board Dr David Tipene-Leach Kaihautū/Chairperson

Nourishing Hawkes Bay David Tipene-Leach: Bridging Health and Culture (Article)

Research Gate Profile - David Tipene-Leach

Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa| Māori Medical Practitioners Association Congratulations Professor David Tipene-Leach on his appointment to the New Ministerial Advisory Group on the Health System

Waatea News: Free School lunches - David Tipene Leach | Professor of Māori and indigenous research at EIT, Te Pukenga June 14, 2023 (Audio)

Hawkes Bay Today Article: Hawke's Bay doctor recognised for saving babies with flax bassinet 'invention' 16 Nov, 2020

Google Scholar Profile - David Tipene-Leach

Te Kura i Awarua Ngā Tangata Professor David Tipene-Leach Research Professor/Co-Director Publications

Te Ao News: Te Kura i Awarua: Māori research centre opens in Ngāti Kahungunu rohe  October 1, 2022

MAS: Weaving the way to safety

New Research Professor at EIT 21 March 2017