MĀORI CAUCUS
ABOUT US
The Māori Caucus of the Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) plays a critical role in fostering collaboration and communication among professionals focused on Māori health issues. Its primary objectives include facilitating networking opportunities, promoting discussions centered on public health challenges faced by Māori communities, and sharing valuable knowledge and resources.
By creating a supportive environment, the Māori Caucus aims to advocate for policies and practices that lead to improved health outcomes and a reduction in health inequities for Māori. It serves as an essential platform for engaging various stakeholders, ensuring that Māori perspectives are integrated into public health strategies and programs, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for Māori populations throughout New Zealand.
Māori Caucus membership is made up of PHANZ members who whakapapa Māori and have a keen interest in Māori health issues.
Non-members are welcome to attend meetings and events (where deemed appropriate), however they are unable to vote on important decisions that aim to address the specific health needs and disparities faced by Māori in the public health sector.
Become a member here:
TE RōPU WHAKAHAERE
The Māori Caucus is lead and supported by Te Rōpū Whakahaere (The Caucus Executive Officers).
The length of term for Caucus Officer roles is two years, with a provision for re-election for a further two years.
People are elected to officer roles at Caucus Annual General Meetings (AGMs), generally held in September each calendar year.
Chairperson: Dr Angelique Reweti
Ph.D, BHlthSci First Class (Hons)
Dr. Angelique Reweti (Ngāpuhi, with connections to Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Tainui) is a dedicated advocate for Māori health and well-being. A mother of three, she balances raising her tamariki with her professional roles as a lecturer and researcher at Massey University, focusing on Public Health, Health Promotion, and Hauora. Her work emphasises strengths-based approaches that highlight Māori resilience and mana, aiming to shift narratives away from deficit models.
Angelique’s research centres on whānau-led initiatives and weaving mātauranga Māori with contemporary health frameworks to create culturally responsive strategies. As Chair of the Māori Caucus and a member of the PHANZ Executive Council, she is committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing equitable health policies. Her vision is to empower Māori whānau, hapū, and iwi to thrive in a system that celebrates Indigenous strengths and honours tino rangatiratanga.
Treasurer: Jean Rangiwai
MPP, LLB, BMS (Hons)
Jean Rangiwai (Ngāti Porou) is the Treasurer for the PHANZ Māori Caucus. She is a dedicated leader with extensive expertise in law, accounting, and Māori health policy. Jean is a Chartered Accountant, lawyer, and mentor, she holds undergraduate degrees in Commerce (Accounting major) and Law, and Masters degrees in Public Policy and Health, the later degrees focusing on Māori health outcomes and colonisation's impact on health disparities.
Jean's career spans roles in Inland Revenue, private consultancy work for community organisations, and one of her current positions is with Te Kurahuna Limited, supporting Indigenous health approaches. Jean is passionate about rangatahi suicide prevention and primary healthcare improvements, she is a vital contributor to PHANZ, driven by her commitment to enhancing Māori well-being and community health.
Secretary: Sheldon Aitken
Sheldon Aitken (Ngāpuhi) is the newly elected interim secretary of the PHANZ Māori Caucus. Sheldon is a proud mum of four and is a third-year student studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Integrated Human Health). Her journey into the health sector began with her experience as a dental assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and a deep understanding of the challenges many face in accessing health services. This experience has further fueled her passion for improving the health outcomes of Māori communities.
Sheldon is deeply committed to addressing the disparities faced by our Māori population and working towards equitable healthcare for all. She believes that by understanding the unique needs and lived experience of Māori, we can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. Upon completion of her degree, she is excited to continue her studies and contribute to the conversation about Māori health, advocating for change that leads to better health outcomes and a brighter future for all.
2025 CAUCUS HUI DATES
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MEETING #1
🗓 Date: 18 February 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔗 Join the Meeting Now
💻 Meeting ID: 478 606 329 765
🔑 Passcode: dV37xd3d -
MEETING #2
🗓 Date: 16 April 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
🔗 Join the meeting now
💻 Meeting ID: 415 826 866 965
🔑 Passcode: aP9CS6V5
WHAKAPAPA
Whakawhanaungatanga - Networking in Public Health
John Waldon, Te Pūmanawa Hauora ki Manawatū
7 August 2008
The Māori caucus of the Public Health Association has a history almost as long as that of the PHA and its predecessor, ANSERCH. Active from the early stages of the PHA were Māori health workers like Connie Hassan in Otago and Utiku Potaka, who assisted the PHA with their conference in Palmerston North in 1994. Developing and maintaining networks is an important aspect in the practice of a public health worker. Why else do we attend the annual conference of the Public Health Association? For those interested in Māori health it is face to face contact with Māori that brings about the building and maintenance of relationships and networks. Maintaining active networks provides a mechanism for testing new ideas and applying old ideas to new situations.
Contact us
If you would like to join our Māori Caucus, become a Caucus Officer or want more information on how to get involved, please get in touch!