Te Rōpu Poa is a visionary leader and dedicated advocate for Māori well-being and self-determination. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to whānau, hapū, and iwi, underpinned by her guiding purpose: to serve her people and create meaningful, lasting change.
Te Rōpu Poa was born and raised in the heart of Ngāpuhi and draws inspiration from her whakapapa and her connection to her whenua and moana. Her strength as a leader is deeply rooted in the values and principles passed down by her tūpuna, which guide her vision and purpose in all her roles.
Te Rōpu’s academic journey has equipped her with the expertise to lead and inspire across various domains:
- Master of Human Resource and Organisational Development (Southern Cross University, Australia), (2016).
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts - Māori Development (University of Auckland), 2005.
- Diploma in Community and Social Work (Unitec, Auckland),1997.
Her commitment to professional growth is further demonstrated by completing prestigious leadership programmes, including the Global Women’s Breakthrough Leadership Programme and advanced governance training through the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Te Rōpu has built an impressive career dedicated to hauora and Māori development:
- Kaihautū a Rohe/Regional Director, Te Puni Kōkiri – Te Tai Tokerau (2021 – Present): Leading transformative initiatives to ensure Māori thrive across the region.
- Chief Executive Officer, Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi (2009 – 2022): Oversaw an organisation delivering $6 million in contracts for primary care, social services, and whānau ora programs across Northland. Key achievements include leading COVID-19 vaccination responses and establishing a primary care clinic.
- Interim CEO, Te Rūnanga-ā-Iwi o Ngāpuhi (2020): Oversaw fisheries allocations and completed financial reviews to strengthen iwi governance.
- Senior Advisor Funding, Family & Community Services, Ministry of Social Development (2006 – 2009): Managed $22 million in funding for social services across Northland and Auckland.
- Family Start Manager, Turuki Health Care (2005 – 2006): Established a developmental home-visiting program for whānau.
Te Rōpu’s governance experience spans over 20 years, highlighting her leadership in health, education, and community resilience:
- Chair, Te Hau Awhiowhio o Ōtangarei (2024 – Present): Leading a $2.5 million hauora initiative, including nurse-led clinics serving high-needs Māori communities.
- Independent Director, National Hauora Coalition (2020 – Present): Overseeing clinical services for 230,000 patients, with a focus on high-need populations.
- Committee Member, Health, Community & Social Services Workforce Development Council (2021): Appointed to shape the future governance council for health sector workforce development.
- Expert Committee Member, COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunisation Programme, Ministry of Health (2021): Ensuring tikanga Māori and whānau perspectives were embedded in the national vaccine rollout.
- Trustee, Kaikohe Districts Sportsville Management Group (2019 – 2021): Advocating for community engagement in sports and physical activities.
- Trustee, Kaikohe Education Trust (2017 – 2020): Supporting digital equity initiatives for tamariki in Kaikohe.
In 2024, Te Rōpu was re-elected as Co-Investigator for the Tu Whakaruruhau: New Zealand Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study. This initiative identifies effective treatment strategies and predictors for positive recovery outcomes for those affected by methamphetamine use.
Te Rōpu’s leadership philosophy is grounded in resilience, equity, and sustainability. She champions initiatives that enhance Māori oranga through kai sovereignty, sustainable housing, and renewable energy, ensuring that whānau have access to warm, dry homes, clean water, and self-sustaining resources. Her mantra, Mauri tū, Mauri ora—an active soul is a healthy soul—reflects her dedication to fostering thriving communities.
Te Rōpu Poa’s contributions embody the essence of leadership from a Te Ao Māori worldview. Her unwavering commitment to whānau and iwi, paired with her tireless advocacy for equitable outcomes, inspires generations to believe in the transformative power of collective resilience and cultural integrity. Through her work, she ensures that her people are not only heard but empowered to succeed.
Links:
Waatea News: Te Roopu Poa/ Chief Executive Officer November 10, 2021
Waatea News: Te Roopu Poa | Te Hauora o Ngapuhi, November 08, 2021
Ministry of Justice Article- New Māori advisory group - Te Rōpū - appointed
Spring Board Trust Podcast- Voices in the Room, Episode Four: Te Rōpu Poa, 10 February 2020
Pam Armstrong
Updated 31 December 2024
