Ko Takitimu te waka 
Ko Mauao te Maunga 
Ko Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi ōku iwi 
Ko Ngāi Tamarawaho te hapū 
Nō Tauranga Moana ahau 
Ko Te Puea Winiata ahau 

I have been with Te Rau Ora for 20 years. I have a passion for supporting the development of a strong Māori Health workforce across the health sector and many of the disciplines where we need more Māori practitioners. Many of those who have accessed courses and scholarships work across many sectors where they are supporting better outcomes for whānau. 

While the Board’s decisions have a strategic focus, we are also able to see some short-term gains with the high-quality leadership we have on staff who can respond to sector needs and develop programmes.  

It is also gratifying to see the move from Māori Mental Health and Addiction workforce to an expanded Māori Health workforce development focus is providing greater reach into areas where Māori practitioners need support and skills to enhance whānau wellbeing. I value the innovation space that we can contribute to, to continue the legacy and moemoeā of Professor Sir Mason Durie. 

The next 20 years will not only see an expansion of the Māori workforce but also the range of general and specialist skills they will need to meet whānau health needs. I also see the growth of Wairua Practitioners and increased access for whānau training to enable their own development.  

I believe the Mental Health and Addiction Practitioners and Lived-Experience whānau need to become a more significant and supported workforce in primary health care. The provision of more “learning while you work” options will be important in the short term, as a way to staircase whānau into higher-level tertiary qualifications in the medium term.  

Te Rau Ora has the capability to achieve both short and medium-term objectives to achieve the longer-term aspiration over the next 20 years of whānau having 1. the skills to take charge of their own health and wellbeing, and 2. easier access to a skilled Māori workforce behind whatever door they open.