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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.

Riki Nia Nia

Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tonga

Riki is most passionate about seeing more Māori enter careers in the health workforce. He strongly believes this will add to the necessary intelligence and capability the system requires to perform more effectively for whānau.
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A dedicated clinician, Cynthia has over 18 years of experience as a Diabetes Specialist Podiatrist, profoundly impacting Māori communities through her practice in clinical biomechanics, orthotics, and diabetic amputation prevention.

Cynthia Otene, MHSc

Ngāpuhi

Maungataniwha te Maunga

Tapapa te Awa

Mangamuka te Marae

Ngapuhi te Wharemoko

Puhi Kai Ariki

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Dr Kirsten Smiler is a distinguished Māori health researcher and lecturer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Dr Kirsten Smiler MA, PhD

Te Whānau a Kai, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu

Dr Kirsten Smiler is a distinguished Māori health researcher and lecturer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

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Helen Lenihan is shaping the future of mental health care for Māori—ensuring that healing is not just about treatment, but about reclaiming mana, resilience, and whānau well-being.

Helen Lenihan, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGDipClinPsych, MNZCCP

Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha

Helen Lenihan is a highly respected Clinical Psychologist with a career dedicated to Māori mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic well-being.

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Dr Kimiora Henare is a pioneering Māori cancer researcher committed to transforming oncology through kaupapa Māori-driven research

Dr Kimiora Henare, BSc, MHSc, PhD

Ngāti Hauā, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri

Dr Kimiora Henare is a pioneering Māori cancer researcher committed to transforming oncology through kaupapa Māori-driven research.

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Te Oraiti’s work is grounded in the belief that medical training must reflect Māori realities and support Māori medical practitioners to lead change.

Te Oraiti Reedy

Ngāti Porou

Te Oraiti is an innovative leader in Māori health, education, and equity.

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Taima Campbell is a distinguished Māori nurse leader whose remarkable career spans over four decades, driven by an unwavering commitment to improving Māori health outcomes, championing nursing leadership, and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.

Taima Campbell, RGON, MHSc (1st Class Honours), PGDip Business (Māori Development

Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Kiriwera

Taima Campbell is a distinguished Māori nurse leader whose remarkable career spans over four decades, driven by an unwavering commitment to improving Māori health outcomes, championing nursing lead

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Professor Emma Wyeth is a distinguished Māori health researcher dedicated to understanding and improving whānau experiences within Aotearoa’s health system

Professor Emma Wyeth BSc (Hons) PhD

Kāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama

Ko Hikaroroa te mauka
Ko Waikouaiti te awa
Ko Kāi Tahu rātou ko Te Ātiawa, ko Ngāti Mutunga kā iwi
Ko Puketeraki rāua ko Ōtākou kā marae

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Maria is a passionate advocate for social change, equipping Māori and Pacific whānau to become champions and navigators of their own well-being.

Maria Potaka-Wallace, MHS,  PGDPsych, PGDCBT, PGDICAMH

Ngāti Hauiti, Ātihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi

Maria is an accomplished Māori health leader and clinical social worker dedicated to advancing mental health and addictions services for Māori and Pacific communities.

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Dr Groot is an interdisciplinary social scientist who works in the domains of Māori worldviews and communities, resilience, sexuality and sex work, and urban poverty and health.

Dr Shiloh Groot, PhD

Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Pikiao

Dr Groot is an interdisciplinary social scientist whose research spans Māori worldviews, community resilience, sexuality, sex work, urban poverty, and health.

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