Tuari Potiki exemplifies leadership. His lived experience has been an asset in his career and personal development, and he has moved beyond recovery into a space that is about living life well.

His work history at Te Rito Arahi, CADs Christchurch and the Taha Māori at Queen Mary Hospital reflect his growing clinical capability and increasing uptake of responsibilities. His extensive background in the health, education and justice sectors have added value to his strategic and executive management roles as GM of Strategic Operations with the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) and at the Ngāi Tahu Development Corporation.

Not only has he contributed to alcohol and other drug practice but in support of the National Addiction Centre and the Moana House Training Institute has played a significant role in informing the education and training of the workforces working in the addiction treatment sector.   

He is currently Director of Māori Development at Otago University and the chair of the New Zealand Drug Foundation. He recently spoke to the ‘war on drugs’ to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session in New York in which he emphasised his identity as a Ngāi Tahu man, his lived experience and set out a vision for a world where people get the support they need, not punishment.

Tuari Potiki exemplifies leadership by being a role model and because he has made the most of the opportunities to influence policy and service development. He continues to work in a place of manaaki and bring a voice of whānau in his work and life.