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January 03, 2026
#SummerSeries: Dr Alex Hedley and Community Health
Waatea Team
Posted On January 3, 2026
This summer on Radio Waatea, we celebrate Māori leaders working behind the scenes to keep our whānau healthy – from prevention and care to tackling outbreaks and inequities in the health system.
One of those voices is Dr Alex Hedley (Ngāti Porou) – a public health medicine specialist in training based in Napier – who has been part of the frontline response to public health challenges here in Aotearoa.
Listen to the full Waatea News interview with Dr Alex Hedley:
https://waateanews.com/2025/07/25/dr-alex-hedley-maori-doctor/
Dr Hedley is part of a new wave of Māori doctors bringing mātauranga Māori, clinical expertise and public health insight to critical health issues facing our communities. Based in Napier, he has played a key role in managing outbreaks such as whooping cough, helping to protect pēpi, māmā and whānau, and he is currently training as a public health medicine specialist.
His approach highlights how public health – working upstream to prevent disease and support wellbeing – is just as vital as frontline clinical care. This includes vaccination advocacy, community education, and measures that improve health outcomes for all, especially those most at risk.
In his work and interviews, Dr Hedley has spoken about the ongoing challenge of health equity for Māori – noting that changes to health systems and services impact how easily whānau can access the care they need and deserve.
He emphasises that many illnesses are preventable with the right systems, support and awareness – underlining the importance of public health leadership that understands where people live, how they work, and what keeps them well.
As whānau gather, travel and reconnect over the summer months, healthy communities matter more than ever. Dr Hedley’s kōrero reminds us that:
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Preventive health care like immunisation protects pēpi, tamariki and kaumātua alike.
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Public health expertise helps us prepare for outbreaks before they become crises.
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Equity in health services – including access to care – is essential for whānau ora.
Across Aotearoa, Māori doctors like Dr Hedley are helping shape a future where health services are responsive, equitable and grounded in communities’ needs – not just in hospitals, but out in the places where whānau live and thrive.
This summer, let’s think about health in new ways – not only when we are sick, but how we prevent illness, connect with services, and support those around us. Listen to Dr Hedley’s kōrero, share it with whānau, and let’s build a healthier Aotearoa together.
Audio link again: https://waateanews.com/2025/07/25/dr-alex-hedley-maori-doctor/
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