Tia Haira

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Rangiteaorere

Tia Haira is a biomedical scientist specialising in chemical genetics, immunology, and biobanks within mātauranga Māori and western science systems. She is dedicated to sharing science with Wahine and rangatahi to support them in pursuing science careers.

She earned a Bachelor of Medical Science in Human Pathology and Genetics at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, and completed a Master of Medical Science. For her Master’s thesis, she researched and supported using kānuka rongoā in medicine.

Currently, Tia works as the Kai Matai Hauora Science Leader at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, where she examines the impact of science at a whānau, hapū and iwi level. She is involved in developing research with iwi on infectious diseases and rongoā Māori. She strongly advocates for Māori engagement in research and governance of data to ensure that research is focused on the needs of Māori.

Tia's current research focuses on using Mātauranga Māori to scientifically validate the medicinal properties of taonga species used traditionally by Māori to heal various medical conditions. This work is centred on recognising Māori knowledge and exploring potential economic opportunities and investments for hapū and iwi. She is also involved in restructuring current public health delivery and services by ESR to meet Māori's needs better.

Links:

Weraroa taonga species | Health Research Council of New Zealand (hrc.govt.nz)

CO: LAB profile


 

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Dr Michelle Levy

Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta

Michelle has continued to advocate for Māori in psychology throughout her career and is currently the claimant for the Waitangi Tribunal Wai2725 Psychology in Aotearoa claim, which challenges the failure of the crown and its agencies to ensure Māori access to and participation in psychology. 

Emeritus Professor John Broughton

Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu-Ki-Heretaunga

Emeritus Professor John Broughton has dedicated over 30 years to Māori oral health, injury prevention, and Kaupapa Māori research methods. In recognition of his services to Māori health, theatre, and the community, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2016.

Jada Melbourne

Ngāi Tūhoe

As an aspiring Māori health practitioner, she is on the path to becoming a  future Māori health leader.

Riki Nia Nia

Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tonga

Riki is most passionate about seeing more Māori enter careers in the health workforce. He strongly believes this will add to the necessary intelligence and capability the system requires to perform more effectively for whānau.