Rangitāne, Ngati Rārua

Lydia is a registered nurse with more than 20 years’ experience working in Māori health across Te Tauihu as a community health nurse. She has managed a multi- disciplinary health team of 14 kaimahi for the past nine years. Lydia’s current role is Nurse Educator Māori at Te Whatu Ora ki Whakatū.

Ngāi Tahu (Ngāti Irakehu/Ngāti Mahaki), Ngāti Whātua

Maria is the Mātāwaka representative. Maria is a Registered Nurse Prescriber working in the specialty area of Diabetes and working towards her master’s in nursing science to become a Nurse Practitioner. For 20 years prior to becoming a nurse, Maria worked in various health, Iwi, justice, and social service areas within Te Tauihu, in positions that worked on reducing barriers, advocating, and advancing aspirations for whānau Māori. She has had numerous governance positions; Te Tumu Whakaora Nelson Bays Primary Health (NBPH), as well as the interim establishment of the NBPH, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, School Board of Trustees, Māori Women’s Welfare League, but states the one that really pulled on the heartstrings as a huge achievement was working hard for 10 years as part of the interim establishment board of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia Te Matangi.

Ko Ngāti Rārua te iwi.

Olivia hails from the hapū of Ngāti Paretona, Ngāti Pareteata, Te Arawaere, and Tūrangapeke.

Ko Maungatapu te maunga. Ko Maitahi te awa. Ko Tainui te waka. Ko Ngāti Kōata te iwi. Ko Whakatū te marae.

Kate represents Ngāti Koata on Te Kāhui Hauora o Te Tauihu. She has had 10 years of Hauora Māori experience and keenly understands social determinants of health, as well as current health analytics which gives insight into health disparities faced by our whānau. Kate has been involved with Kaupapa Māori research and quality improvement projects which have demonstrated that not only is systematic change necessary to improve Māori health outcomes; but is also attainable through targeted interventions. Kate currently works as a doctor in general surgery and is undergoing further training to become a surgeon. She is also committed to professional development and is undergoing governance training with the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators.

Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa Rangatira me Ngāi Tahu

Rebecca is currently the Tumuaki (Principal) of Meihana Consulting which is centred around Iwi Māori, public, and private sector partnerships, organisational development, and community research. She has worked for major corporations and government departments in Aotearoa and London, across several sectors including health and the global pharmaceutical industry.  She has led company-wide strategic planning processes, has international commercial and pricing experience, and has brokered international collaborations.

Governance-wise Rebecca is currently Deputy Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia, Chair of the Health Action Trust, and a Trustee of the Bishop Suter Trust. In addition, she is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand, member of the Institute of Directors, and an Accredited Partnership Broker with the Partnership Brokers Association.

Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Kāti Māhaki ki Te Tai Poutini, Kāi Tahu

Irihāpeti Mahuika is the Chief Executive Officer of Health Hawke’s Bay – Te Oranga o Te Matau-a-Māui. With a strong focus on Māori wellbeing and governance, Irihāpeti has been a pivotal leader in integrating Indigenous knowledge into healthcare systems. Her leadership emphasizes culturally responsive, community-driven approaches, ensuring that Māori-led solutions are at the forefront of health initiatives.

Irihāpeti’s dedication to collaborative leadership and her passion for strong Māori governance have been instrumental in fostering community awareness and participation. She actively advocates for the integration of mātauranga (Māori knowledge) and tikanga (customary practices) in achieving health equity, aligning with the broader goal of whānau ora, hapori ora (healthy families, healthy communities).

Ko Whangatauatia te maunga. Ko Kariri Kura te moana. Ko Korou Kore te marae. Ko Tinana te waka. Ko Te Rarawa te Iwi.

Shayne has worked in the health sector for over 15 years in various roles spanning governance, strategic development, and project management for both government and non-government organisations. During this time, he has managed a national research investment portfolio, led the establishment of new services across Aotearoa, and overseen significant commissioning programmes.

Ngāti Porou.

Jodi has a wealth of experience across a wide range of government departments and particularly in health. This expanded across Equity challenges relating to National Immunisation, Mental Health and Addictions and is very familiar with our Hauora Māori partners, key stakeholders and has immense knowledge of the health sector.