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. Jade Tamatea

Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Apakura, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki

As a clinician-researcher, Jade is committed to health equity. Her doctoral work at the University of Auckland investigated treatment inequities in thyrotoxicosis for Māori, laying the foundation for her continuing research into ethnic inequities in endocrine health. E kore e mimiti te puna o te aroha o tōku whānau whānui. Whether in the clinic, classroom, or meeting room, she carries the aspirations of her people and strives to uplift Māori voices in all spaces.

Hiraina McKenzie

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rakaipaaka

Hiraina’s legacy is one of transformative leadership, where equity is not a goal, but a lived, ethical responsibility. She continues to empower mana wāhine and uplift the next generation of Māori clinicians, knowing that whānau hold the solutions to their own wellbeing.

Dr Anne-Marie Jackson

Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu o Whangaroa, Ngāti Wai

Dr Anne-Marie Jackson is a pioneering force in Indigenous science, kaupapa Māori research, and Māori education. With deep roots in rural Southland and whakapapa to multiple iwi, her journey reflects the aspirations of her late parents—hardworking woolhandlers who instilled in her a commitment to whānau, service, and excellence.

Eboni Waitere

Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne

Eboni Waitere is an executive leader, literary champion, and unapologetic advocate for Māori storytelling.

Dr Suzanne Pitama

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare

Professor Suzanne Pitama is an esteemed educational psychologist, researcher, and leader in Māori health education. Her mahi is driven by a relentless pursuit of equity in healthcare, ensuring Māori health perspectives are embedded within medical training, research, and practice.

Mareta Hunt

Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Kai Tahu

Mareta Hunt is a champion for child health equity, Māori well-being, and injury prevention, driven by kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. With deep ancestral ties and a lifelong commitment to Te Reo Māori, she ensures Māori voices shape digital health engagement and policy.

Wiremu Matthews

Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Maniapoto

Wiremu’s mahi challenges traditional models of leadership and wellbeing, advocating instead for restorative, whakapapa-driven approaches that honour both te tangata and te taiao.

Irene Kereama-Royal

Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto

LLM, LLB

Dr Sandra Hotu

Tainui-Ngāti Maniapoto, Hauāuru-Ngāti Ruanui

MBChB, FRACP

Cynthia Otene

Ngāpuhi

MHSc

Maungataniwha te Maunga

Tapapa te Awa

Mangamuka te Marae

Ngapuhi te Wharemoko