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He Rangatira Leaders

Recognised for their contributions, service, vision, dedication and expertise towards constructive change and improvement to Māori health. We invite you to explore the Maori leaders who influence and contribute to Māori health and wellbeing.

Be inspired. Aspire.

Chrissie’s work emphasises self-advocacy, equity, and whānau ora, especially for tāngata kāpō Māori.

Christina (Chrissie) Cowan

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Rangitāne, Ngāti Porou

Chrissie has led transformative changes in the disability sector as Chief Executive of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa New Zealand Inc, a National, Indigeno

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A skilled leader and advocate, Christine's work spans academia, health, and community development, demonstrating her dedication to whānau well-being and Māori aspirations.

Dr Christine Ngā Hau Elers, PhD, LLM with Distinction, LLB, BTchg,BEd

Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Maniapoto, Ngāti Hauā, Kai Tahu

Dr. Christine Ngā Hau Elers is a respected researcher, evaluator, and educator who is unwaveringly committed to advancing Hauora Māori and promoting equity within Aotearoa's health system.

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With over 30 years of experience, Haehaetu brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, strategic leadership, business development, and a deep commitment to iwi partnerships, rooted in her identity and whakapapa.

Haehaetu Barrett

Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Kārenga

Whakapapa
 

Te Arawa te Waka

Ngati Whaakaue te Iwi

Ngati Karenga te hapu

Te Koutu te marae

Ngongotaha te maunga

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Pania Tahau-Hodges

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tūhoe

Pania Tahau-Hodges is a dedicated advocate for Māori storytelling and language revitalisation.

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Dr Makarena Diana Dudley (Margaret Dudley) NZOM

Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu

Dr Dudley grew up in central Auckland as one of eight siblings and attended Blockhouse Bay Primary and Intermediate Schools and Lynfield College.

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Dr Cadence Kaumoana EdD, M.Ed

Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngāti Apakura, Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Pāoa

Dr Cadence Kaumoana holds a Masters and

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Dr Simon Bennett BSc, MSc, PGDipClinPsych, PhD

Ngāti Whakaue, (Te Arawa), Patu Harakeke (Ngā Puhi), Kāti Waewae (Kai Tahu)

Dr. Simon Te Manihi Bennett is a distinguished clinical psychologist and academic dedicated to enhancing Māori mental health through culturally responsive therapeutic practices and education.

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Dr Ricky Bell PhD, MManipPhty, PGDipMPhysio, BPhty

Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hau, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri

Dr Ricky Bell has a clinical background with over 30 years of experience in the health sector.

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Nicola Ehau

Ngāti Porou

Nicola Ehau has spent over 40 years providing support and expertise in mental health, Māori health, and workforce planning.

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Lorraine delivers expert guidance to the government on nursing matters, drives the development of nursing policy and strategy, provides strong professional leadership for the nursing profession across Aotearoa, and champions New Zealand’s voice in shaping nursing policy on the global stage.

Lorraine Hetaraka

Ngāti Kahu, Tapuika, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui,

Lorraine Hetaraka is the Chief Nurse at the Ministry of H

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