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 Candy Louise Ramarihi Hera Cookson-Cox has been my mentor, colleague and friend for over twenty years, the first Māori nurse to gain a doctorate in education, a rarity in the early 2000’s

Hutia te rito o te harakeke
Kei hea te kōmako e kō?
Kī mai ki ahau
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
Māku e kī atu
He tangata! He tangata! He tangata, hī!

Catherine Love was born and raised on her papakainga (communal Māori land) in Korokoro, Pito-one (Petone) with her parents, grandparents and whānau whānui (wider family).

Kim was born and grew up in Rongowhakaata (Gisborne) and had the pleasure of being surrounded by many generations of whānau.

In 2018 Hingatu accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer Manaaki Ora Trust. This kaupapa Māori organisation brings together Tipu Ora and Te Utuhina Manaakitanga.

Chas demonstrates integrity each day, and people choose to seek and follow his advice. A leader is not measured by what they do but by others that choose to follow.

Hineroa’s professional contributions and leadership in the fields of mental health nursing, health education and Māori health leadership are exemplary.

Jacquie is more of a quiet leader who usually prefers not to be ‘front and centre’. She was brought up in a mostly Pākehā environment but had a strong bond with her Ngāpuhi kuia (grandmother), Tirohia Amy.

Titiro! Titiro ki te maunga tiitoohia, Runga o Parihaka. Ko Ngaati Moeahu me Puketapu ngaa hapū.

Dr.Vanessa Caldwell is a leader in health, addiction treatment, and mental well-being through her robust intellect, commitment to social justice, and passion for reducing inequities in Aotearoa.

He Rangatira Leaders

Dr Candy Louise Ramarihi Hera Cookson-Cox

Te Arawa, Ngāti Rangiteaorere, Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāi Tahu

Kerri Nuku

Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Kahungunu

Dr Catherine Mārie Amohia Love

Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Nga Ruahinerangi

Kim Hinetotorirangi Kaua Whaanga-Kipa

Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Rakai Paaka, Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri

Hingatu Thompson

Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti

Chas McCarthy

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Haua, Te Ātihaunui a Pāpāranga, Ngati Whitikaupeka

Hineroa Hakiaha RNZcmpN, MNSc, FNZCMHN

Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāi Tahu

Dr Jacquie Kidd

Ngāpuhi

Hayden Wano

Te Ātiawa, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, Taranaki, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Awa

Dr Vanessa Caldwell

Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha, Te Rapuwai, Kāi Tahu