A new chapter in Māori health leadership is underway, with the Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board announcing four new appointments and the election of two co-chairs as it strengthens its commitment to improving health outcomes for whānau.
Outgoing Chair Hikitia Ropata has confirmed the appointments, describing the leadership transition as an opportunity for renewal, fresh perspectives and continued progress towards better health and wellbeing for Māori communities.
The changes follow more than three years of service by the outgoing leadership team and reflect the ongoing involvement of mana whenua in shaping health priorities across the rohe.
Four New Faces Join the Poari
The four newly appointed members bring a range of iwi connections, community perspectives and leadership experience to the board.
They are:
- Paula Collins – Mana Whenua seat: Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngā Rauru and Te Āti Awa.
- Kiri Rikihana – Mana Whenua seat: Ngāti Raukawa-ki-te-Tonga, Ngāti Korokī hapū, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai Otarau/Kaitangata and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
- Teremoana Porter-Rawiri – Rangatahi seat: Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Mutunga.
- Luke Barnsley – General seat: Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Porou.
The inclusion of a dedicated rangatahi representative ensures younger voices remain part of discussions about the future of Māori health services and community wellbeing.
The board says the appointments process attracted strong interest, reflecting the depth of talent and commitment within the community to improving health outcomes for whānau.
Hinemoa Priest and Paula Collins Elected Co-Chairs
As part of the leadership transition, Hinemoa Priest and Paula Collins have been elected as the new Poari Co-Chairs.
Priest, who whakapapa to Te Āti Awa and Ngā Ruahine ki te Rangi, continues her service as a mana whenua representative.
The board has also retained the experience and guidance of kaumātua Dr Taku Parai, who whakapapa to Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Tama.
At its September meeting, the Poari agreed that retaining experienced members alongside new appointments would help maintain continuity while creating opportunities for fresh leadership.
The approach is intended to ensure the knowledge, relationships and foundations established by the outgoing board continue to support its future work.
Mana Whenua Leadership Remains Central
The Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board has acknowledged the ongoing leadership of its three mana whenua iwi entities:
- Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust
- Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa
- Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
Their involvement reflects the importance of iwi leadership and local knowledge in identifying the health priorities of Māori communities.
Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards have a role in representing Māori health priorities, engaging with whānau and communities, and helping ensure health services respond to local needs.
For Āti Awa Toa Hauora, the leadership changes provide an opportunity to build on that work while strengthening relationships across the rohe.
Outgoing Leaders Acknowledged
The appointments also mark the completion of service for four outgoing members who finished their terms last month.
They are:
- Hikitia Ropata – Chair
- Tio Taiaki – Deputy Chair
- Tane Cassidy – Ngāpuhi
- Dr Vanessa Caldwell – Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe and Waitaha
Ropata has acknowledged the commitment and contribution of her fellow outgoing members, recognising their work over more than three years.
She says the board has established important foundations for the next leadership team, while acknowledging that significant work remains to improve health outcomes for whānau.
The transition also recognises the value of collective leadership and the importance of maintaining momentum as new members take up their responsibilities.
A Renewed Focus on Whānau Wellbeing
The changes come as Māori health organisations continue working to address inequities in access to healthcare, service delivery and health outcomes.
For Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards, the challenge is ensuring that the experiences and priorities of whānau are reflected in decisions about health services.
That includes maintaining strong relationships with iwi, hapū, community organisations and healthcare providers.
The new leadership team will have an opportunity to build on existing relationships while contributing fresh perspectives to the board’s work.
The involvement of both experienced members and newly appointed representatives also provides a balance between continuity and renewal.
Building on Strong Foundations
Ropata has described the transition through the imagery of kōanga, the spring season, and the flowering of kōwhai across the rohe.
It is a fitting reflection of the changes underway as the board welcomes new members and prepares for its next phase.
For incoming Co-Chairs Hinemoa Priest and Paula Collins, the task ahead will be to continue strengthening Māori participation in health decision-making and ensuring whānau aspirations remain central to the board’s work.
With four new members, two co-chairs and the continued guidance of experienced representatives, Āti Awa Toa Hauora is entering its next chapter with a renewed commitment to collective leadership, mana whenua and the wellbeing of whānau.
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