He Rangatira Leaders

Jim is the current Kaihautū – Chief Executive Officer at Awarua Whānau Services, and he is the first Tane to lead the organisation (he has a 30-year history of Wahine Rangatira at the helm). It is a special honour to be given the opportunity to navigate the pathway forward alongside his Awarua Whanau Services team.

Associate Professor Elana Curtis is a public health medicine specialist focused on Māori and indigenous health inequities. She looks at Māori health outcomes and the way in which racism (and privilege) act as a determinant of health.

The spirit of giving is in her DNA. With her much-loved kuikui playing a prominent role within Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, the importance of community, whānau and fostering a sense of belonging is intrinsic to her identity.

Carole is passionate about reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for tāngata motuhake and their whānau. She is seen as a taonga to her community and has made a measurable difference to people who have often been marginalised.

Since 2003, when Boyd Broughton began his career in health with Hāpai te Hauora, he has supported te ao Māori within health services through various roles in NGOs, government agencies, tertiary institutions, local councils, Marae Committees, and other community groups.

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.