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.

Dr Dianne Wepa

Ngāti Kahungunu

He toka tūmoana he ākinga nā ngā tai

A standing rock in the sea, lashed by the tides (Kawharu, 2008)

Ellen Norman

Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi

He kūaka mārangaranga, kotahi te manu, i tau ki te tahuna, tau atu, tau atu, kua tau mai

Dr Fiona Cram

Ngāti Pāhauwera

Dr Fiona Cram of Ngāti Pahauwera (Kahungunu) descent, Dr Fiona Cram is a thinker, a writer, an academic, a doer, a joker and a self-proclaimed princess with a love of good shoes!

Dr Heather Gifford

Ngāti Hauiti, Te Atihaunui ā Papārangi

What is leadership, and how is it manifest in this competitive world? The challenge to write about Māori leaders is timely.

Dr Hinemoa Elder

Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi

She attributes her success to ‘hard work, determination, and being able to draw from her Māori heritage, synthesising meaning from an indigenous perspective’.

John Tamihere

Ngāti Porou, Whakatohea, Tainui, Irish, Scottish

JT’s vision, leadership and genuine crossover appeal with Pākehā, has become a loss to politics but a major victory for urban Māori.

Dr Jordan Waiti

Ngāti Pikiao, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Haupoto, Ngaati Maahanga

Jordan is working with the future. He has a PhD, and like many people, he can do the theory, but what sets him apart is his ability to work at the marae with whānau and hapū.

Dr Kahu McClintock

Waikato Maniapoto, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ātiawa

Kahu’s approach to leadership is the result of multiple strands of knowledge woven together; cultural, clinical, and academic.

Kataraina Pipi

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine

Kataraina Pipi is the mother of two young women, Maraea and Mere Arihi. She is also a musician, facilitator, evaluator, and an avid supporter of whānau and community development.

Mapihi Raharuhi

Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Kea, Ngāti Tuara, Ngāti Waiora

Her whānau describes her as a pillar of strength, especially for emerging leaders within her whānau. It is my pleasure that I have the opportunity to write about Mapihi as a Māori leader.