Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitahi - My success is not the success of me alone, but the success of many
Te Puea Winiata is a dynamic and influential Māori leader whose dedication to advancing Māori health and well-being embodies the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and rangatiratanga. Her career reflects a commitment to creating equitable and culturally grounded health and social services that resonate with the needs of whānau, hapū, and iwi.
As Chief Executive of Turuki Health Care, a leading Māori health provider in South Auckland, Te Puea has been instrumental in pioneering an integrated model of care that goes beyond traditional health services. Drawing inspiration from the Southcentral Foundation in Alaska, she implemented an indigenous-based model incorporating wairua, rongoā, well-being services, and justice navigation. This ecosystem of care exemplifies her forward-thinking approach to addressing complex social determinants of health. Under her leadership, Turuki Health Care has become a cornerstone of holistic care for Māori, providing services that honour Te Ao Māori principles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Te Puea mobilized her team to support over 100,000 individuals through innovative approaches, including incorporating traditional healers to alleviate anxiety and stress. This unwavering commitment to community well-being was recognized nationally, earning Turuki Health Care the Supreme Award, Best Community Health Award, and Innovation Award at the 2021 ProCare Quality Awards.
Te Puea also co-founded Te Ira, a kaupapa focused on breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. This initiative provides support for whānau impacted by the justice system, with a particular emphasis on nurturing tamariki. Her leadership in this area reflects her vision of empowering Māori communities to thrive.
Te Puea has been a vital voice on several boards and committees, including:
Te Rau Ora Board of Directors Chair (2017-2022) (National Māori Health Workforce Development Organisation), where she provides strategic leadership to strengthen the Māori health workforce.
Te Rau Ora Board Member (currently serving)
Serving as the Chair of the Māori Monitoring Group for Manatū Hauora, ensuring that Māori voices guide health policy and practice.
Leading governance mahi for her hapū in Tauranga moana.
Her advocacy extends to increasing access to quality primary mental health services for Māori and addressing workforce inequities through initiatives grounded in kaupapa Māori values.
Te Puea trained as an addiction counselor and care and protection social worker before transitioning into senior management. As a former manager of Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) in South Auckland, she led the development of Te Ātea Marino, a kaupapa Māori addiction service. Her tenure with the Ministry of Health and involvement in regional mental health and addiction workforce initiatives have further cemented her influence in reshaping services to better meet Māori needs.
In 2023, Te Puea was awarded the ONZM for her enduring contributions to Māori health and workforce development. This honour acknowledges her leadership in tackling health inequities, advocating for systemic change, and championing the aspirations of Māori communities.
Te Puea's leadership is deeply rooted in her identity as a descendant of Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi, and Tūhoe. Inspired by her tīpuna, mentors, and the legacy of her whānau, she remains dedicated to creating a brighter future for her mokopuna. Her vision is for her grandchildren's grandchildren to grow up in a world where they understand their whakapapa and thrive in a society that values equity and justice.
A rangatira of intelligence, empathy, and integrity, Te Puea Winiata continues to inspire those around her. Her enduring legacy is one of transformation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of her people.
Links:
Health Informatics New Zealand – Te Puea Winiata Keynote Speaker
Ellen Norman 2017
Updated 31 December 2024
