Leadership of Te Kaunihera

Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori is guided by two interconnected leadership groups:

Te Komiti Tuakana – the National Executive Committee (NEC). Te Komiti Teina – representing Māori nursing tauira.

Together, these rōpū ensure that the voices of both emerging and experienced Māori nurses are represented - supporting leadership, connection, and decision-making across Aotearoa.

Te Komiti Tuakana
National Executive Committee

Te Komiti Tuakana is the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori, providing experienced leadership, governance, and strategic direction for the organisation.

Made up of Māori nurses from across Aotearoa, Te Komiti Tuakana carries the responsibility of guiding the work of Te Kaunihera - ensuring it remains aligned with its kaupapa, responsive to the needs of its members, and effective in advocating for Māori health outcomes.

Working in partnership with Te Komiti Teina, the NEC supports the development of future leaders while maintaining strong, stable leadership at a national level.

Provide national leadership and governance
Guide the strategic direction of Te Kaunihera
Represent Māori nursing at a national level
Support branches and membership across the motu
Work alongside Te Komiti Teina to strengthen future leadership

What we do

How members are selected

Members of Te Komiti Tuakana are appointed or elected through Te Kaunihera processes, with representation drawn from branches and regions across Aotearoa.

Selection is based on experience, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to Māori nursing and the kaupapa of Te Kaunihera.

Donna Foxall

Te Roopu Whaioranga o Ngāti Kahungungu
Te Ikaroa-Rawhiti

Jo Marino

Waiariki Māori Nurses
Waiariki

Hemaima Hughes

Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui
Te Tai Tonga

Leigh Paparoa

Manukau Branch
Tāmaki Makaurau

Dianna McGregor

Waitemata Branch
Tāmaki Makaurau

Daniel Manihera

Te Tai Tokerau
Te Tai Tokerau

Te Komiti Teina
Māori Student Nurses Committee

Te Komiti Teina is the national leadership group for Māori nursing tauira, representing the voices, experiences, and aspirations of student members across Aotearoa.

It provides a platform for tauira to contribute to the direction of Te Kaunihera, ensuring that emerging nurses are not only supported throughout their training, but are actively involved in shaping the future of Māori nursing.

As a collective, Te Komiti Teina strengthens connection between tauira, branches, and national leadership - creating pathways for growth, confidence, and leadership development within a kaupapa Māori environment.