<p><img alt="Dr Amohia Boulton - Whakauae Research Centre Director" src="/uploads/images/Amohia-Boulton-2022.png" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Dr Amohia Boulton</h2>

<h3>Research Centre Director</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mai i ng&#257; Kur&#299; a Wh&#257;rei ki Ng&#257; P&#257;paka o Rangataua he riponga waihoe au n&#333; te Moana o Tauranga, te &#363;nga o ng&#257; waka, te wai koiora o aku t&#363;puna</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ko Mauao te Maunga</p>

<p>Ko Tauranga te moana</p>

<p>Ko Ng&#257;ti Ranginui, Ng&#257;i te Rangi, me Ng&#257;ti Pukenga &#333;ku iwi</p>

<p>Ko Pirirakau, ko Ng&#257;ti Kahu ng&#257; hap&#363;</p>

<p>Ko Poututerangi, ko Wairoa ng&#257; marae</p>

<p>Ko Amohia Boulton t&#333;ku ingoa</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>My career to date has been varied, spanning public policy and academia however, my commitment to M&#257;ori development has been a constant thread throughout. I have a background in public policy, having worked as a data analyst (Ministry of Education) policy analyst, senior analyst (Te Puni K&#333;kiri) and Private Secretary (M&#257;ori Affairs) in Wellington for about ten years. I left the public service to undertake a Health Research Council M&#257;ori Health Training Fellowship, completing my doctoral studies at Te P&#363;manawa Hauora, the Research Centre for M&#257;ori Health and Development, Massey University, Palmerston North. As a Health Research Council Erihapeti Rehu Murchie Postdoctoral Fellow, I was able to work with scholars at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada and with the Lheidli T&#39;enneh First Nations people. In 2009 I joined Whakauae Research Services and in 2016 was appointed Research Centre Director.</p>

<p>My research focuses on M&#257;ori health and health services research; specifically, the interface between health and social policy and service-level implementation. I consider myself privileged not only to work in an iwi-owned and mandated health research centre, but to build on Heather&rsquo;s original vision and continue a legacy of high quality kaupapa M&#257;ori research that makes a difference to our people.</p>

<p>Mate atu he t&#275;t&#275;kura, ara mai he t&#275;t&#275;kura</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="mailto:amohia@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Website%20Enquiry">Email Amohia</a></p>

<p>Tel. (06) 347 6773</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/images/Tanya-headshot%20(5%20of%206)%20website_320px(2).jpg" style="height:320px; margin-bottom:15px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Dr Tanya Allport</h2>

<h3>Senior Researcher</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ko Tokomaru te Waka</p>

<p>Ko Taranaki te Maunga</p>

<p>Ko Waitara te Awa</p>

<p>Ko Manukorihi te Marae</p>

<p>Ko Tanya Allport t&#333;ku ingoa</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>My passion as a researcher is to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of M&#257;ori through aspirational, translational and kaupapa M&#257;ori focused research.</p>

<p>I was educated at the University of Auckland, where I gained a Bachelor and Master of Arts, before completing my PhD in 2006. While studying I worked at the University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, in M&#257;ori and Pacific health. Following my PhD I undertook several years of working for claimants to the Waitangi Tribunal, specialising in M&#257;ori land research.</p>

<p>More recently, I worked as the director of Wai Research, an urban M&#257;ori research centre with Te Wh&#257;nau O Waipareira, a West Auckland M&#257;ori health and social service provider. As part of that role, I led a staff of researchers, evaluators, and social impact specialists, and project managed local and national research programmes focusing on wh&#257;nau M&#257;ori wellbeing and policy impacts.</p>

<p>I am Te &#256;ti Awa ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara from my father&rsquo;s side and German from my mother&rsquo;s side, and although I was born in Tauranga I spent my formative years in Northern Germany, returning to Aotearoa in my early teens. I now live with my wh&#257;nau in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland.</p>

<p>I feel honoured and fortunate to be a senior researcher at Whakauae, as it allows me to be part of a dedicated and inspiring team that works to fulfil the aspirations of Ng&#257;ti Hauiti for all wh&#257;nau M&#257;ori to have health, wealth and self-determination in line with their own values.</p>

<p><a href="mailto:tanya@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Enquiry%20from%20website">Email Tanya</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Gillian Potaka-Osborne - Whakauae Researcher and Evaluator" src="/uploads/images/Gillian-Potaka-Osborne-2022.png" style="height:320px; margin-bottom:15px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Gillian Potaka-Osborne</h2>

<h3>Researcher and Evaluator</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ko Aotea te waka</p>

<p>Ko Ruapehu te maunga</p>

<p>Ko Whanganui te awa<br />
Ko &#256;tihaunui-&#257;-P&#257;p&#257;rangi te iwi<br />
Ko Ng&#257;ti Tuera, Ng&#257;ti Pamoana, Ng&#257;ti Pareraukawa ng&#257; hap&#363;.<br />
Ko Pungarehu, ko Parikino, ko Koroniti, Ko Ng&#257;tokowaru Marae ng&#257; marae.</p>

<p>Ko Gill Potaka-Osborne au.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>My professional career and interest in Kaupapa M&#257;ori were born out of my involvement as both a kaimahi and wh&#257;nau member of Te Hunga Kawitiwiti Kohanga Reo (language nest) in the early 80s. The next 15 years were spent in working in the public sector before I rekindled a passion for M&#257;ori development and joined Taumata Hauora Trust (M&#257;ori Development Organisation) as contracts manager. In 2005, I began employment with Whakauae Research Services in an administrative capacity. My current role is community researcher and evaluator which has given me the opportunity to engage, build capability and seek solutions with local communities. My passion is to grow M&#257;ori potential and I am excited about being able to use research and evaluation as methods for advancing M&#257;ori development.</p>

<p>I was supported by Whakauae to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sector Research and in 2019 I completed my final year of master&rsquo;s study.</p>

<p>I am a member of the Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association (ANZEA), Ma Te Rae M&#257;ori Evaluation Association and of the Australian Evaluation Society (AES).</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>E rere kau mai te awa nui</p>

<p>mai I te K&#257;hui Maunga ki Tangaroa</p>

<p>Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au</p>

<p>The great river flows from the mountain to the sea</p>

<p>I am the river the river is me</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="mailto:gill@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Website%20Enquiry">Email Gillian</a></p>

<p>Phone: 028 255 62852</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Lynley Cvitanovic - Whakauae Researcher and Evaluator " src="/uploads/images/Lynley-Cvitanovic-2022.png" style="height:320px; margin-bottom:15px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Lynley Cvitanovic</h2>

<h3>Researcher and Evaluator</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Born and brought up in Whanganui, I am fifth generation P&#257;keh&#257; of Croatian, English and Irish descent. The first of my forebears arrived in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, as New Zealand Company assisted immigrants, in 1840 and 1841. They were farm labourers from Wiltshire and Somerset in the south of England. During the 1850s some moved north to Whanganui and to the Rangit&#299;kei. My great-great-grandmother, Hannah Whale was born in Parew&#257;nui in 1857. Most recently my paternal grandfather arrived in Whanganui, from the tiny fishing village of Dra&scaron;nice in southern Croatia, around 1926.</p>

<p>Over the past four decades I have had the opportunity to take part in, and learn from, a wide range of Treaty inspired decolonisation and social justice initiatives. My paid work experience has mostly been in the fields of community work, adult learning and public health (health promotion). My formal study has focused on sociology, qualitative research, social work and social services practice supervision. I hold MA (Honours) and MSW (Applied) degrees along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Services Supervision (Distinction).</p>

<p>Since joining the Whakauae team in 2008, I have had the great privilege of taking part in many of the research activities that our Ng&#257;ti Hauiti-owned organisation is involved with. Whakauae aspires to contribute to social transformation that benefits M&#257;ori, using excellent research as the vehicle. My colleagues, and those we work alongside in the local community and beyond, provide daily inspiration for finding ways forward that can make a positive difference for M&#257;ori.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="mailto:lynley@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Website%20Enquiry">Email Lynley</a></p>

<p>Phone: 028 255 62856</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sonja Loveridge - Whakauae Business Manager" src="/uploads/images/Sonja-Loveridge-2022.png" style="height:320px; margin-bottom:15px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Sonja Loveridge</h2>

<h3>Business Manager</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I was born and raised in the Waverley area and am fifth generation P&#257;keh&#257; on my Dad&rsquo;s side; of English, Scottish and Irish descent and third generation P&#257;keh&#257; on my Mum&rsquo;s side. My father&rsquo;s ancestors began arriving into Taranaki from 1841, they settled in Kaitoke, in the remote Rangit&#299;kei hills at Pohonui, and in the Whanganui area from the late 1850&rsquo;s. My maternal grandparents immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand from Dra&scaron;nice and Podgora on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia in the early 1900&rsquo;s.</p>

<p>I have trained as a chartered accountant and have an employment background in finance and management. I have worked in a variety of businesses and in the public sector primarily in health and science. I am a member of the Chartered Accountants Institute of Australia New Zealand and have been a Board member for Hospice Whanganui.</p>

<p>I appreciate order (although you might not think so if you saw my desk), a good strategic plan and the opportunity to make a difference. I joined the Whakauae team in 2015 and I have appreciated the opportunity to working in a kaupapa M&#257;ori organisation with academics and iwi members. This challenges me to think differently, provides experiences that I would not otherwise have and allows me to support the work of others to make a difference.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="mailto:sonja@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Website%20Enquiry">Email Sonja</a></p>

<p>Phone:&nbsp; 028 255 05015</p>

<p>Mobile: 027 220 5717</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Mel Potaka-Osborne - PA to the Whakauae Team" src="/uploads/images/Mel-Potaka-Osborne-2022.png" style="height:320px; margin-bottom:15px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Mel Potaka-Osborne</h2>

<h3>PA to the Team</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>E rere kau mai te awa nui</p>

<p>mai I te K&#257;hui Maunga ki Tangaroa</p>

<p>Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&lsquo;Ruapehu te maunga</p>

<p>Whanganui te awa</p>

<p>Ko &#256;tihaunui-&#257;-P&#257;p&#257;rangi te iwi</p>

<p>Ko Ng&#257;ti Tuera, Ng&#257;ti Hinearo, Ng&#257;ti Pamoana, Ng&#257;ti Pareraukawa aku hap&#363;&rsquo;</p>

<p>Ko wai au?</p>

<p>Ko Mel Potaka-Osborne ahau</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I joined Whakauae Research in 2011, after working ten years with a local Whanganui Iwi Health Provider in both front line and team leader roles. Prior to that, I worked as a kaiawhina with the Royal NZ Plunket Society, which was where my journey in M&#257;ori Health and wellbeing began.</p>

<p>My partner and I are very much wh&#257;nau driven, so with four adult tamariki, two moko and numerous whangai, M&#257;ori health became a natural path for me.&nbsp; My interest in kaupapa M&#257;ori research and the work of Whakauae developed while I was working within the Iwi health provider and joining the team felt like the next stepping-stone in my M&#257;ori Health journey.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="mailto:mel@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Website%20Enquiry">Email Mel</a></p>

<p>Phone: 028 255 62852</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Utiku K Potaka" src="/uploads/images/Utiku-Oct-2021.png" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Utiku K Potaka</h2>

<h3>Researcher and Cultural Advisor</h3>

<h3>Ng&#257;ti Hauiti, Te &#256;ti Hau, Ng&#257;ti Apa</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Ka t&#363; whakahirahira te R&#257;t&#257; a kahinga</strong> |&nbsp;The magnificent R&#257;t&#257; has fallen</p>

<p><strong>Ka t&#333; te k&#257;kano a ka tipu an&#333;</strong> | The seedling vine grows once more</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the most part, I was raised on the family farm at R&#257;t&#257; in the central Rangit&#299;kei district, where the P&#257; formed a gathering place for the close-knit community of Ng&#257;ti Hauiti.&nbsp; Not surprisingly, manaaki whenua (care of the land) has been a life-long passion of mine and I continue to be actively involved in Ng&#257;ti Hauiti land development, farming, environmental restoration and Treaty claims.</p>

<p><strong>Ko te Awa te m&#257;t&#257;puna o te ora</strong> | The River is the source of spiritual and physical sustenance</p>

<p>My wh&#257;nau also lived in Whanganui where the Awa, moana and P&#363;tiki P&#257; were features of our lives.&nbsp; I was fortunate to have been mentored by my kaum&#257;tua in the traditions of Te &#256;ti Hau Whanganui where t&#257;ngata tiaki (care of the people) was a core value.&nbsp; This encouraged me to take up various administrative and leadership roles within wh&#257;nau, hap&#363; and iwi with particular emphasis on the development of Ng&#257;ti Hauiti for over three decades.</p>

<p><strong>Ka kohi te toi, ka whai te maramatanga</strong> | If knowledge is gathered, enlightenment will follow</p>

<p>After completing a Business Studies degree at Massey University, I spent much of my professional career in the public sector focusing on Iwi M&#257;ori development.&nbsp; I have worked in operations and management and in recent times, in senior and strategic advisor roles.&nbsp; One influential job I had in the early 1990&rsquo;s was in M&#257;ori health research at Massey University where I experienced first-hand the value of research in advancing Iwi M&#257;ori development and therefore have been a staunch advocate of Whakauae Research since its inception.&nbsp; I am delighted to be on the Whakauae team and contribute to the improvement of health equity and the empowerment of wh&#257;nau, hap&#363; and Iwi M&#257;ori.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Tom Johnson" src="/uploads/images/Tom-Oct-2021.png" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Tom Johnson</h2>

<h3>Design Lead and PhD Student</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He ripo, he tipua, he k&#257;inga<br />
He uri mokopuna ahau n&#333; te awa tupua.<br />
Ko Tom Johnson t&#333;ku ingoa.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before I joined Whakauae I worked alongside community champions in systems innovation at Te Oranganui Trust, Science Technology Engineering the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) rangatahi education in Te Whanganui A Tara and earnt a Bachelor of Business Studies at Massey University, followed by a Masters in Innovation and Commercialisation at Victoria University of Wellington.</p>

<p>I was driven to the research realm by witnessing the powerful impact of community insights- and our people&rsquo;s yearning to effect sustainable, meaningful change in their lives.</p>

<p>Our people hold the answers to complex systems problems themselves, and our work is in communicating their solutions to policy makers, resource allocators and change agents.</p>

<p>As Design Lead for Whakauae I am part of the team responsible for the translation, uptake and impact (TUI) of our research findings.</p>

<p>I believe that as researchers we are knowledge brokers, carrying with care our communities&rsquo; voice and needs, and acting as advocates for our people&rsquo;s ultimate selves. To do this, I am committed to translate and disseminate the high-quality research from Whakauae&rsquo;s research team into innovative and impactful publications and artefacts that motivate stakeholders to enact positive change on the ground with our wh&#257;nau.</p>

<p>Supported by Whakauae, I am also completing a PhD project with Auckland University of Technology, which examines how M&#257;tauranga T&#363;puna of Whanganui is being utilised to improve wellbeing for T&#257;ne M&#257;ori. Part of this project is working alongside our community to develop evidence from T&#257;ne M&#257;ori for our awa-centric wellbeing practises and translating this evidence for decision makers to support Iwi-led and rohe-specific spaces for wellbeing.</p>

<p><a href="mailto:tom@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Enquiry%20from%20Website">Email Tom</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ayesha Maraku" src="/uploads/images/Ayesha-Feb-22.png" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Ayesha Maraku</h2>

<h3>Executive Assistant to the Research Centre Director</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kia whai kor&#333;ria, he h&#333;nore, hareruia kia Ihoa o ng&#257; Mano.&nbsp; Tuauriuri wh&#257;ioio ki tonu te rangi me te whenua, kia whakapaingia ki t&#333;na ingoa i ng&#257; w&#257; katoa.&nbsp; Matua, Tama, Wairua Tapu, me ng&#257; Anahera pono me te M&#257;ngai hei tautoko mai &#257;ianei, ake nei, &#256;e.<br />
Ko H&#299;nai te Maunga<br />
Ko te Temepara Tapu te Puna Waiora<br />
Ko te Manuao te Pouherenga Waka<br />
Ko Whare Marama te Whare<br />
Ko R&#257;tana te Marae<br />
Ko M&#333;rehu te Iwi<br />
Ko Ayesha Kor&#333;ria Maraku t&#333;ku ingoa.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout my life, I have volunteered to community services such as youth groups, sports clubs and church fundraising initiatives.&nbsp; All these activities had an underlying theme; to improve the social, spiritual, physical and economic health and wellbeing of our people.</p>

<p>In my previous role, I worked several years as a receptionist and kai&#257;whina at Whanganui Accident and Medical where I utilised my skillsets in juggling various office administration tasks while working in a busy and highly demanding urgent care environment. It gave me personal satisfaction trying to help wh&#257;nau get the medical treatment and attention they deserve. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, I join the WRS wh&#257;nau as an Executive Assistant to Dr. Amohia Boulton. I am proud and blessed to be a part of a team who are passionate about M&#257;ori research that makes a positive impact in all aspects of life for our people of Ng&#257;ti Hauiti, te Ao M&#257;ori and beyond.</p>

<p><em>Ma te huruhuru, Ka rere te manu.</em></p>

<p><em>Adorn the bird with feathers so it can fly.</em></p>

<p><a href="mailto:ayesha@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Enquiry%20from%20website">Email Ayesha</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><img alt="Vicky Mcleod-Ngatuere" src="/uploads/images/Vicky-5--Feb-22.png" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></em></p>

<h2>Vicky Mcleod-Ngatuere</h2>

<h3>Personal Assistant to the Team</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ko Ng&#257; Turi &#333; Muri Motu te Maunga<br />
Ko Whangaehu te Awa<br />
Ko Tomotomo Ariki te Puna Wai<br />
Ko Ng&#257;ti Rangi te Iwi<br />
Ko Rangiteauria te Hap&#363;<br />
Ko Tirorangi te Marae<br />
Ko Vicky Mcleod-Ngatuere t&#333;ku ingoa</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I have lived in the Whanganui-nui-tonu area most of my life and have worked in the health sector for the past 14 years.&nbsp; This has included seven years working within a Whanganui Iwi health organisation and seven working at Mid-Central District Health Board in Palmerston North.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am dedicated to supporting wh&#257;nau, hap&#363; and iwi health and wellbeing. I enjoy participating in several voluntary positions that allow me to do this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am pleased to have joined the Whakauae Research team comprised of passionate staff who are committed to the mahi they do.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="mailto:vicky@whakauae.co.nz?subject=Enquiry%20from%20website">Email Vicky</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Stacey Ruru" src="/uploads/images/stacey-ruru-2022.png" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Stacey Ruru</h2>

<h3>Emerging Researcher &ndash; Rapua Te Ara Rangatira project</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ko Tainui te Waka</p>

<p>Ko Waikato te Awa</p>

<p>Ko Maungatautari te Maunga</p>

<p>Ko Tauwhare P&#257; r&#257;ua ko Paparamu ?ku Marae</p>

<p>Ko Waikato r&#257;ua ko Raukawa &#333;ku iwi</p>

<p>Ko Ng&#257;ti Hau&#257; r&#257;ua ko Ng&#257;ti Raukawa &#333;ku Hap&#363;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I joined Whakauae Research Centre in early 2022 as an Emerging Researcher and am working on the Rapua Te Ara Rangatira project &ndash; Leadership, governance and decision-making models to achieve health equity.</p>

<p>I developed a passion for research when undertaking my master&rsquo;s degree in Organisational Psychology in 2014 at Waikato University. My research project focused on M&#257;ori women&rsquo;s perspectives on leadership and wellbeing because I wanted to understand how these women find strength and keep themselves well in leadership.</p>

<p>This led me to undertake several research-related and project management roles for the University of Waikato and Auckland during 2017-2021. I was very fortunate to work in areas that were outside the scope of my degree, and I have enjoyed the experience so far and look forward to developing further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>My research interest includes M&#257;ori leadership, kaupapa M&#257;ori and organisational/indigenous psychology. The Rapua te ara Rangatira project appealed to me because I am passionate about M&#257;ori leadership, and it provided an opportunity to collaborate with Kaupapa M&#257;ori researchers. My own research kaupapa is linked to the Rapua te ara Rangatira project and will focus on w&#257;hine rangatira and their experiences in Aotearoa governance. I chose to do my mahi rangahau with Whakauae Research because it is a kaupapa M&#257;ori based organisation that encourages and supports M&#257;ori to aspire in the mahi that they do and contributes back to the wider community.</p>

<p><em>Hapaitia te ara tika p&#363;mau ai te rangatiratanga m&#333; ng&#257; uri whakatipu</em> &ndash; Foster the pathway of knowledge, strength, independence, and growth for future generations.</p>

<p><a href="mailto:stacey.ruru@whakauae.co.nz">Email Stacey</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Luke Tumihau Enoka" src="/uploads/images/Luke-Tumihau-Enoka.jpg" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Luke Tumihau Enoka</h2>

<h3>Ng&#257;ti Hauiti</h3>

<h3>Research Assistant and Pou &#256;whina</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hau mai i Waitapu</p>

<p>&#332; mai i Ruahine</p>

<p>Piri mai i Hautapu</p>

<p>Whiti mai i Ngaruroro</p>

<p>Ko te Iwi Roa o te motu</p>

<p>Ko M&#333;kai P&#257;tea nui tonu &#275;!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am a descendant of M&#333;kai P&#257;tea. I also descend from Ng&#257;ti Apa, T&#363;wharetoa, Te &#256;tihaunui-&#257;-P&#257;p&#257;rangi, Ng&#257;ti Tama ki te Upoko o te Ika, as well as Rarotonga.</p>

<p>I grew up in Te Awakairangi and currently reside in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I have experience in digital and design thinking and have contributed to various Kaupapa M&#257;ori and M&#257;ori centric organisations including Indigenous Design and Innovation Aotearoa, Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland), Tu Tama Wahine, Te Tari Consultants, and Te M&#257;t&#257;wai.</p>

<p>In 2022, I completed a Poutuarongo Reo M&#257;ori (bachelor&rsquo;s degree in te reo M&#257;ori) at Te W&#257;nanga o Raukawa. I am currently continuing my reo studies at Te W&#257;nanga o Aotearoa ki Pari-&#257;-rua.</p>

<p>In March 2023, I joined Whakauae Research Services as a Research Assistant and Pou &#256;whina. I am contributing to kaupapa including the Rapua te ara rangatira kia hikitia ai te oranga tangata research project and Hauititanga: Building Capability through p&#363;r&#257;kau, k&#333;rero tuku iho, and taonga.</p>

<p>Ko te ng&#257;kau iti nei e mihi kau atu ai ki Whakaaue. N&#333;ku te maranganui ki te whai w&#257;hi ki a koutou e whakapau kaha nei m&#333; ng&#257; uri whakatupu o te &#257;p&#333;p&#333;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Emma Rawson-Te Patu" src="/uploads/images/Emma-Rawson-Te-Patu.jpg" style="height:320px; width:320px" /></p>

<h2>Emma Rawson-Te Patu</h2>

<h3>Ng&#257;ti Ranginui, Ngai te Rangi, Raukawa, Ng&#257;ti Haua</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I have been involved in Public Health, Hauora M&#257;ori (M&#257;ori health), research, training, facilitation and education for over 20 years. I am mother to Waimarie (21 years) and am married to Adrian. We live in Maraetai, Auckland with our dog, TT.</p>

<p>I was the inaugural recipient of the Whakauae Te Pae Tawhiti Masters Scholarship and completed my Master of Philosophy degree in 2019. My thesis was entitled Barriers and success factors for M&#257;ori working in Public Health Units.</p>

<p>I spend time working in advocacy for Indigenous communities internationally, and currently I am the first Indigenous woman to be the President Elect of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. I specialise in Tiriti alignment frameworks and strategy for public health practice. My PhD will focus on developing a transformative framework for public health based on Indigenous knowledge and human rights.</p>

<p>As the Public Health Equity Lead (PHEL) for Whakauae, I am passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to understand and live their responsibilities to equity and equitable outcomes in health with all the richness that that brings.</p>