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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.

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

Dr Kirsten Smiler

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

MA, PhD

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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

Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha

BSc (Hons), MSc, PGDipClinPsych, MNZCCP

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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

Ngāti Hauā, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri

BSc, MHSc, PhD

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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

Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Kiriwera

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

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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

Kāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama

BSc (Hons) PhD

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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

Ngāti Hauiti, Ātihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi

MHS, PGDPsych, PGDCBT, PGDICAMH

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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

Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Pikiao

PhD

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Shaping the Future of Māori Health - Dr. Walker has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes for Māori and advocating for systemic change.

Dr. Curtis Walker

Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou

MBChB, FRACP

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Dr Maira Patu is a Māori health advocate, educator, and clinician, dedicated to transforming Aotearoa’s healthcare landscape through kaupapa Māori approaches.

Dr Maira Patu

Ngāi Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, Te Arawa

MBChB, FRNZCGP

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