Kaiwhakahaere Matua | Our Leadership

Chief Executive Tumu Whakarae

Riana Manuel Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Kahungunu

Riana Manuel

A skilled, strategic, and visionary leader within the Māori and health sectors, with extensive experience leading kaupapa Māori organisations, Riana Manuel is the first to lead Te Aka Whai Ora as it works to improve the health outcomes of Māori.

Before joining Te Aka Whai Ora, Riana was Chief Executive of Hauraki Primary Health Organisation and Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki. From Manaia in Pare Hauraki, Riana is a registered nurse practitioner and enjoys a career that sees her work across many different parts of the health sector.

Our leadership team

Mātauranga Maori

Kingi Kiriona Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa

Public and Population Health

Selah Hart Ngāti Kuia, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Apa Ki Te Ra To, Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairarapa

Systems Strategy and Policy

Juanita Te Kani Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga

Service Development and Relations

Jade Sewell Ngāti Maru, Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Porou

Finance and Support

Merewaakana Kingi Ngāti Awa, Ngāitai

Governance and Advisory Services

Craig Owen

Monitoring

Nigel Chee Waikato, Te Ati Haunui a Pāpārangi

Regional Directors

Northern
Tracee Te Huia Ngāpuhi

Te Manawa Taki
Riki Nia Nia Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tonga

Central
Patrick Le Geyt Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa

Te Waipounamu
Mata Cherrignton Ngāti Hine, Te Kapotai, Ngāpuhi-Nui-Tonu, Ngāi Pakeha