MHSc  BPhEd, BA Māori Studies

Te Miri Rangi is a powerful example of what it means to lead with whakapapa, purpose, and cultural integrity in the health system. As Tākai Aronui – Chief Advisor Māori at Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency, Te Miri ensures that kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are central to cancer care in Aotearoa, from prevention through to survivorship. His role involves collaborating with iwi, Māori health leaders, and clinical partners to drive health equity and improve outcomes for tangata whenua.

With a Master in Health Science (AUT) 2016-2019 and degrees in Physical Education and Māori Studies 2005-2010  (University of Otago), Te Miri applies Indigenous knowledge and scientific innovation to address complex issues. His research on traditional Māori physical activity has shaped how hauora can be understood and revitalised in modern contexts.

His leadership spans across major health agencies including ACC, Te Hiringa Hauora the Health Promotion Agency, and Skills Active Aotearoa, where he has consistently advocated for Māori-led approaches to wellbeing. He has also published a range of articles sharing Indigenous views on health, movement, and nutrition through The Spinoff’s Ātea and his blog Whakapapa Fridays demonstrating his commitment to everyday whānau empowerment.

Raised in kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa, Te Miri’s journey into health was inspired by the values of his tīpuna and the aspirations he holds for his own tamariki. He is a proud father and husband, living proof that cultural identity and whānau values are strengths in leadership—not barriers.

“We carry the legacies of our ancestors and the aspirations of our mokopuna—our systems must reflect that.”

Te Miri’s mahi inspires a new generation of Māori to see health not just as a profession, but as a powerful way to uplift communities, protect whakapapa, and drive transformation. His story reminds us that when we lead with our culture, our purpose, and our people in mind—anything is possible.

Inspired to work in health? Let Te Miri’s journey shows you that there’s more than one path—and yours could help shape the future of whānau ora.

Link:

In Pursuit 2025 Conference Speakers – Te Miri Rangi

ACC heads north to design kaupapa Māori solutions

Meet Te Miri Rangi (Facebook)

Māori Womens Development Inc MWDI - Tatai Hono 2017 – Te Miri Rangi (Video)

Toi Ako Webinar | Kori Tinana: Traditional Māori beliefs, values and practices of physical activity. Traditional Māori physical activity is distinguished by a Māori cultural definition understood through mātauranga, with shared whakapapa to Atua, and practiced through tikanga. (YouTube)