July 21, 2025
More must be done to address Kidney disease
Ramari Paul (Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngāti Pūkeko, Te Whānau a Apanui) is a resilient wāhine Māori and mother of two who has been living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a hereditary condition that has deeply affected her whānau. Since 2022, she has been on New Zealand’s kidney transplant waiting list, one of around 400 people hoping for a life-saving match. Despite the challenges of dialysis and the emotional toll of waiting, Ramiri remains grounded in gratitude, supported by her partner Jared and their children, Tame and Beau. Her journey is one of strength, hope, and a desire to live a full life where kidney disease is part of her story but doesn’t define it.





