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.

Atawhai's advice to young people is to do as many different things as possible to find your voice. "I started off doing law and kapa haka. I ended up in policy and economic measurement. I tried many things. I have landed where I was meant to be. Kia kaha tatou!"

Her work is focused on ensuring future health services are firmly underpinned by a kaupapa Māori approach, informed by mātauranga Māori and lived experience.

Alana Ruakere is passionate about creating positive change for Māori hauora, including improving access and equity in health services and empowering whānau to take charge of their own health journey.

Integral to the success of Te Taitimu Trust is Zack’s own leadership qualities, his vision, and his ability to bring people together, no matter what their background is.

Kia mau ki te aka matua, te toi huarewa o ngā tūpuna

Hold fast to the wisdom of your ancestors

It is an honour to be asked to write this bio for my good friend Keri, a respected and renowned Māori leader.

Jean Te Huia (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a well-known advocate for Māori health, particularly maternal and child health.

He is a stabilising presence, a reference point, a rock. He has mastered the delicate balance of impelling and empowering people to stand on their own two feet, not only when things are going well but also during the most difficult moments in life.

Lance O’Sullivan is and has been my mentor for the past five years. Lance’s best qualities for me as his mentee is his ability to be enthusiastic, passionate and his drive to complete a job.

Te Poa Karoro (Paul) Morgan is a modern Māori leader advancing his people into a more positive future carrying their history with them.

He Rangatira Leaders

Atawhai Tibble

Ngāti Porou

Aroha Keremeta Metcalf

Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Ngāti Maniapoto

Alana Ruakere

Taranaki, Te Atiawa

Zack Makoare

Ngāti Kahungunu

Dr Ruth Herd

Te Ātiawa ki Taranaki, Ngāti Mutunga

Dr Keri Lawson-Te Aho, PhD (Psychology)

Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Samoan, Tahitian, Rarotongan, Native American (Blackfeet), McLaren clan (Scotland), Classen clan (Norway).

Kataraina Jean Te Huia

Ngāti Kahungunu

Wikepa Keelan

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu, Rongomaiwahine

Dr Lance O’Sullivan

Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maru

Te Poa Karoro (Paul) Morgan

Ngāti Rarua, Te Ātiawa, Ngā Puhi