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.

Diane Koti

Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui

Diane Koti is an expert in Indigenous development, Kaupapa development, Kaupapa Māori Research, psychology, and mental health. She is a passionate leader who works for fair, holistic, and whānau-centred health outcomes.

Emma Wehipeihana

Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Porou

Dr. Emma Wehipeihana, an award-winning writer, podcaster, and political commentator, blends her medical knowledge with accessible writing to shed light on the Māori experience within New Zealand's healthcare system.

Coral Wiapo

Ngāti Whātua

Coral Wiapo is dedicated to making significant contributions to improve Māori healthcare. She is passionate about developing the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to support the development of the nursing workforce to be able to respond to the needs of Māori. Coral recognises the intersectionality of being wahine Māori, a nurse and a lesbian and strives to give visibility to the strengths that are inherent within this.

Cazna Luke

Ngāi Tahu, Te Rarawa

Cazna Luke is dedicated to enabling whānau, hapū, and tribal aspirations, firmly believing in their ability to shape their own destinies.

Awerangi Tamihere

Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitane, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tahu

For the past three decades, Awerangi Tamihere (MNZM) has dedicated her career to strategic health planning, organisational development, and the reform of social policies, with a primary emphasis on whānau development.

Heather Muriwai

Tangahoe, Ngāti Ruanui

Heather has worked as a midwife over the last twenty-five years and is currently working at Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, as the Chief Clin

Terryann Clark

Ngāpuhi

Professor Terryann Clark specialises in youth health, mental health, nursing, public health, and the well-being of tamariki me taitamariki. Her dedication lies in advocating for the health and welfare of taitamariki/rangatahi through extensive research and advocacy across various health and social concerns.

Andrew Waa

Ngāti Hine Ngā puhi

Andrew Waa is a public health academic whose research work has focussed on how we can eliminate tobacco-related harm among whānau Māori and achieve a Tupeka Kore vision for Aotearoa.

Kerri Butler

Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi

Kerri Butler is experienced in supporting and leading programmes around mental health first response and restrictive practice intervention. She sees mental health work as an opportunity to "make a difference in a field that she is passionate about."

John Whaanga

Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine

John Whaanga is of Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Rongomaiwahine descent. He is known for his work in Māori health, Māori education, and iwi development.