Life Members
Our Life Members are recognised for their outstanding contribution to Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori and to the advancement of Māori nursing across Aotearoa.
Their leadership, service, and commitment have helped shape the strength, direction, and legacy of our organisation - laying the foundation for future generations of Māori nurses.
Putiputi O’Brien (Patroness)
Becky Fox (President 1984-1987)
Irihapeti Ramsden (President 1987-1990)
Linda Thompson (President 1983-1985 & 1991-1995)
Mereana Soloman (President 1983-1985)
Matire Glover (President 1986-1990)
Tui Tenari (President 1991-1995)
Louise Barrington (President 1991-1995)
Ngaire Whata (President 1996-2000)
Elizabeth Mitchelson (President 2000-2002)
Rawinia Pahau
Mere Balzer
Barbara Te Wheoro
Lyvia Marsden
Pauline Awarau
Erena Tito
Tura Cunningham
Riperata Patuwai
Jeanette Page
Hohepa Kereopa
Eru Potaka Dewes
Kiri Potaka Dewes
Muni Tatare
Marge Kupa
Ron Hall
John Marsden
Mason Durie
Mina Timutimu
Pae Hall
Eva Eriwata
Eunice Hustler
Te Miringa Huriwai
Heather Hallmond
Lena Reiman
Mate Tapiata
Rangireremoana Wetini
Tania Pompallier
Pauline Hill
Fleur Rogers
Tarati Hohepa Birks
Lorraine Bailey
George Tito
Manawanui Turner
Jamesina Kett
Caroline McKinney
Hemaima Hughes
Hineroa Hakiaha
Vicky Simon
Gene Lewis-Clarke
We honour and acknowledge the following Life Members:
Life Membership is one of the highest honours bestowed by Te Kaunihera. It acknowledges individuals who have made a lasting impact through their leadership, advocacy, and dedication to improving health outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi.
Many of our Life Members have held significant roles within the Kaunihera, including national leadership positions, and have contributed to the growth and evolution of Māori nursing over decades.
Putiputi O'Brien
The Late Patroness
QSO (1922-2015)
Ngati Awa, Te Arawa, Tuhoe
Putiputi trained at the Waikato Hospital School of Nursing from 1941–1945, registering as a General and Obstetric Nurse in 1945. She began her career as a public health nurse in her hometown of Te Teko, at a time when reaching remote communities often meant travelling by horseback.
She later completed maternity and Plunket training, going on to serve for more than 50 years across the eastern Bay of Plenty, central North Island, and South Waikato.
Reflecting on her work, she said:
“In those areas you were a jack of all trades—you were the nurse, the doctor and the midwife.”
After retiring from the Health Department, Putiputi continued her contribution to community health as a District Health Co-ordinator with Midland Health and as manager of the Ngāti Awa ki Rangitaiki health initiative.
A respected role model, Whaea Putiputi held a deep commitment to Māori nursing and saw herself as a bridge between Māori and non-Māori worlds.
In 1987, she was awarded the Queen’s Service Order for her service to community and welfare organisations. She has served as Patron of Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori o Aotearoa since 1984, supporting Māori nurses both nationally and internationally, and remaining a strong advocate for the National Māori Student Nurse Hui.
Contact
PO Box 5051
Rotorua West, 3044
maorinursescouncil@gmail.com
027 816 7936