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.

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.

Jade Sewell

Ngāti Maru, Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Porou

Jade works to drive transformation and innovation within the current health system so that the hauora aspirations of communities are realised.  

Carlton Irving

Te Whakatōhea and Te Ūpokorehe

Carlton Irving has worked in paramedicine, emergency management, and advisory roles with the goal of creating better health support for Māori.

Kingi Kiriona

Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa

Kingi Kiriona is an orator, a kapa haka exponent, composer, educator, and broadcaster. His observation of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori as a tool for improving the health and well-being of iwi and Māori communities has driven Kingi to realise opportunities for Māori language and culture to be shared, embedded, and recognised through the health system.
Professor Beverley Lawton's first-hand experiences witnessing preventable harm and death among women have shaped her work in reproductive health, Māori health, addressing inequalities, and conducting Kaupapa Māori research.

Dr. Alexander Stevens II

Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa, Ngāpuhi

Almost twenty years later, Alexander has used his passion and knowledge of addressing historical sexual violence trauma, mental illness, addictions, and well-being to support Māori and Pacific communities across Aotearoa, where he has worked with over 3,500 men with childhood experiences of sexual violence. 

Tracey Potiki

NGĀI TAHU, KĀTI MAMOE, WAITAHA

Tracey Potiki is an experienced project manager and a dedicated advocate for whānau experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) harm. Over the course of more than 20 years, she has tirelessly worked to bring about positive changes and influence better care pathways for whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Jonathan Koea

Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama

Professor Jonathan Koea is an Auckland-based general surgeon who specialises in the health of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.
Professor Rawinia Higgins has dedicated many years of service as one of the country's leading experts on Māori language revitalisation, specialising in Language Planning and Policy. She leads and develops many initiatives that provide better outcomes and opportunities for Māori.

Naomi Manu

Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa

Naomi Manu is a dedicated champion of Māori and rangatahi development. Known for establishing the Pūhoro STEM Academy, she has transitioned to Auraki Group Limited to focus on workforce development gaps beyond those the Pūhoro kaupapa designed to address.