BPharm, PGDipHSM

Wiremu Matthews is a visionary Māori health leader, wellbeing strategist, and advocate for mana ki te mana leadership. As Kaiwhakahaere | Director of Kānuka Wellbeing and Leadership Ltd, Wiremu supports professionals, teams, and organisations across Aotearoa to thrive without burnout—grounding his mahi in Te Ao Māori, Behavioural Science, and his own lived experience.

Originally trained as a pharmacist with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Otago, Wiremu’s journey evolved from clinical care to kaupapa-led coaching and governance. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management from Massey University and additional certifications in psychoneuroimmunology, motivational medicine, and strategic leadership development.

His leadership spans decades and disciplines. Wiremu has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Māori Pharmacists’ Association, held senior roles in learning and development, and provided health consultancy The Centre for Health in Tauranga. He currently serves on the Board of Poutiri Trust, contributing to strategic governance that centres Māori values in service design and delivery.

At the heart of his work is Kānuka, a platform offering wānanga, 1:1 coaching, and group programmes that restore balance and build resilience. His unique background and approach has supported countless leaders to align wellbeing with performance, without compromising wairua.

A proud husband and father of six, Wiremu models the values he teaches. His whānau is both his grounding and his guiding light, reinforcing that true leadership begins at home and flows into communities and systems.

“You can lead powerfully, care deeply, and protect your wairua—it’s not either/or. It’s all part of being Māori.”

Wiremu’s mahi challenges traditional models of leadership and wellbeing, advocating instead for restorative, whakapapa-driven approaches that honour both te tangata and te taiao. He is part of a growing movement of Māori leaders reshaping organisational cultures through values-based, culturally safe leadership.

Links: 

Kānuka Wellbeing & Leadership Bay of Plenty Busines News, 7 July 2021

Wiremu Matthews: Helping Families and Leaders Learn The Messages Of Physical Symptoms and Challenging Situations Without Medicines. YouTube