Tūmanako Tomo

Waikato, Ngati Kauwhata, Ngati Rangitane, Kai Tahu

Hapu: Ngati Mahuta, Ngati Pou, Tahuriwakanui, Rangitepaia, Kati Huirapa

Tūmanako is a teaching fellow at Waipapa Taumata Rau (Auckland University) and works in the  School of Counselling, Human Services, and Social Work. He has over 15 years of experience across the public and private health sectors. This includes working in Kaupapa Māori Mental Health and Youth Forensics services. He strongly advocates for whānau to join health interventions and community programs focusing on better whānau outcomes.

He completed his Master's degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge and focused on incorporating Māori values such as tikanga, wairua, and whakawhanaungatanga in child mental health services. He now explores how such values can shape social work practices, informed by te ao Māori.

Tūmanako is a part of the St Johns Theological postgraduate team Piri Poho and is under the mentorship of Te Kingi Ihaka Research Centre. He is also a doctoral candidate at Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi.

Tūmanako is a Board Member of Ngā Pou Mana, a National Organisation representing the Māori Allied Health Workforce. Ngā Pou Mana provides a forum for Māori health professionals to discuss Māori health issues with a focus on kaupapa Māori models of practice.

Links:

Te Oro Tapu – Tumanako Tomo

St Johns College Researchers

IAHA & Nga Pou Mana – Proud to be Indigenous Series

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Cherie Seamark

Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Toa Rangatira

The spirit of giving is in her DNA. With her much-loved kuikui playing a prominent role within Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, the importance of community, whānau and fostering a sense of belonging is intrinsic to her identity.

Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell

Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou

Tess believes that the end of life and dying are important opportunities for us to release the past, forgive, be forgiven, and to love without conditions.

Dr Ruth Herd

Te Ātiawa ki Taranaki, Ngāti Mutunga

Kia mau ki te aka matua, te toi huarewa o ngā tūpuna

Hold fast to the wisdom of your ancestors

Dr Wayne Ngata

Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Porou

Wayne Ngata is a strong supporter of the revitalisation of te reo Māori and education models that are underpinned by Māori processes.