Otago University staff recognised as leaders in Māori health, included in the 100 Māori Leaders list from left to right are Mr Hata Temo (Kaitohutohu Māori), Dr Tania Huria (Dean Ako) and Dr Suzanne Pitama (Dean of Otago Medical School).
He Whakatauki: Kāore te kumara e kōrero ana mo tōna ake reka - the kumara does not brag about its own sweetness.
Many University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka staff and alumni are included in 100 Māori Leaders, Te Rau Ora’s curated online platform, showcasing stories and profiles of Māori leaders who are making impactful contributions across health, wellbeing, social services, research, and governance.
Te Rau Ora is the national Māori health workforce centre for mental health, addiction and community-based services in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Launched in 2016, the 100 Māori Leaders platform is a Māori health workforce career development resource, identifying career pathways and amplifying the achievements of Māori leaders and their significant contributions to the health sector.
Otago leaders include He Rangatira (Leaders) like Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare), MA, PhD, PGDipEdDEvPsych, MNZPsS, Dean of Otago Medical School. Other He Pito Matua (Emerging Leaders) include Māori health practitioner and champion for Māori representation in health, Adele Tohiariki (Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Whānau ā Apanui), currently studying medicine.
Kairangahau Matua (Senior Researcher) with Te Rau Ora, Dr Marg Wilkie (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), who led the original development of the platform and is a contributing editor for it, explains the leaders are role models recognised for their service, vision, and dedication to positive change in the health sector and the nation.
“The platform was inspired by many renowned Māori leaders including Otago alumni Dr Paratene (Pat) Ngata (Ngāti Porou) a trailblazer and cultural architect, who reshaped Otago’s medical education to be truly inclusive and effective for Māori.
“His mentorship, institutional reforms, and well-being support systems have made Otago a place where Māori students can thrive and succeed, ultimately contributing to a more equitable health sector.”
Māori leaders who are He Kāhui Whetu (Shining Stars), include established influencers for Māori health, like Otago alumni Sir Mason Durie (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare) ONZ, KNZM, FRSNZ, FRANZCP who has created a legacy of visionary leadership and empowerment in health.
Current Otago staff featured include:
Dr Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare) MA, PhD, PGDipEdDEvPsych, MNZPsS, Dean of Otago Medical School.
Professor Sue Crengle (Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu, Waitaha) MBChB PhD FRNZCGP FNZCPHM Co-Director, Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Professor of Hauora Māori.
Professor Anne-Marie Jackson (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu o Whangaroa, Ngāti Wai) Co-founder and Co-Director of Te Koronga the Centre of Indigenous Science.
Katrina Bryant (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) BPhty, Mphty. Associate Dean Māori and Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy.
Dr Tania Huria (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) BA, BNS, DPH, RCpN, MPH, PhD., Dean Ako.
Dr Maira Patu (Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa) MBChB, FRNZCGP. Head of Department at the Māori/Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI) Unit, Christchurch.
Mr Hata Temo (Ngāi Tūhoe) Kaitohutohu Māori, Office of Māori Development.
Dr Esther Willing (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngā Ruahine) Associate Professor in Hauora Māori and the Director of the Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori in the Division of Health Sciences.
Otago University has also contributed multiple alumni, past kaimahi and researchers who are included in the 100 Māori Leaders resource, for example:
Emeritus Professor John Broughton (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu-Ki-Heretaunga,) PhD, CNZM who dedicated more than 30 years to Māori oral health, injury prevention, and Kaupapa Māori research methods.
Professor Rawinia Higgins (Tūhoe) FRSNZ, PhD (Otago) currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) at Victoria University of Wellington.
Professor Emma Wyeth (Kāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama) with more than 20 years’ experience in Māori public health research and education and previously Professor and Director of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit.
Dr Keri Lawson-Te Aho (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), PhD has dedicated more than 30 years to Hauora Māori and Māori and Indigenous suicide prevention.
Dr Wilkie says representing strong, longstanding, Māori leadership across every sector documents, promotes, and celebrates these achievements. “It showcases Māori-led solutions and role models to inspire rangatahi Māori into health workforce careers.
“Many Māori leaders, especially at the iwi, hapū, and grassroots levels, do important mahi on a national and international stage yet remain invisible outside of their local contexts. This creates barriers to Māori-led solutions being recognised or scaled. Amplifying Māori leadership online allows Māori leadership to be seen, heard, and celebrated equally, by their own whānau and within their professions and professional networks.”
Everyone is welcome to suggest other Māori leaders in health to profile through the 100 Māori Leaders Website.
Māori ki Te Kura Hauora o Ōtākou
Otago Medical School supports learning in Māori health to develop a medical workforce that meets the particular health needs of tangata whenua.
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