Since 1977, we’ve grown from a small marae-based kaupapa to a leading Maaori health provider walking alongside whaanau across Counties Manukau and beyond.
Whare Tiaki Hauora began in 1977 at Whaiora Marae in Ootara, guided by a simple idea: whaanau deserve care that understands who they are and supports the ways they choose to look after their wellbeing. What started as a small organisation, with a mental health focus — has grown into a trusted Maaori health provider supporting communities across Taamaki Makaurau, Counties Manukau, and into rural North Waikato.
As our community grew, so did our capability. We built a strong team, developed new skills, and formed meaningful relationships with whaanau, hapori, and partner organisations. This people power is what drives our mahi — kaimahi with real expertise, cultural insight, and deep community connection. Their knowledge helps us design practical services, respond quickly, and support whaanau in ways that work in everyday life.
Today, we offer a wide range of hauora services shaped by our vision, Kei Tua o Pae Tawhiti – Beyond the horizon, and our mission, Te Manu Panekiretanga – Seek excellence. Through every stage of our journey, one thing has stayed the same: we walk alongside whaanau, build genuine connections, and provide high-quality care that helps people feel supported, confident, and well.
For us, it’s a reminder that excellence isn’t a finish line; it’s how we show up every day. It guides how we design services, connect with whaanau, and work alongside our partners. Seeking excellence means being brave enough to try new ideas, build new pathways, and create models of care that are easy to access, culturally grounded, and shaped by real community needs.
At Whare Tiaki Hauora, you can see Te Manu Panekiretanga in our kaimahi — people with skill, heart, and deep localised insight. It shows up in our willingness to test fresh approaches, respond quickly, and keep things practical for busy whaanau. It’s also in the way we collaborate with funders and organisations to co-create solutions that last. Our mission is simple: deliver care that lifts people up, works well in real life, and opens doors for whaanau to move forward with confidence.
Our values guide everything we do at Whare Tiaki Hauora. They shape how we show up for whaanau. We show up through honesty, integrity, care, and genuine compassion.
Reminds us to build trust through transparency and truth.
Keeps us focused on doing what’s right and offering support that respects your journey.
Encourages us to create calm, restore balance, and hold space for healing.
This is at the heart of it all — showing warmth, kindness, and real connection.
Together, these values help us deliver care that feels safe, authentic, and firmly grounded in who we are.
Mahaki Albert is the Board Chair of Whare Tiaki Hauora, providing strategic leadership, governance oversight, and stewardship to support the organisation’s kaupapa, long-term direction, and sustainability.
Of Te Whaanau-aa-Apanui, Ngaai Tuuhoe, Ngaati Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, and Waikato-Tainui descent, Mahaki brings deep expertise in tikanga leadership, Maaori health governance, equity, and system-level transformation. He currently serves as Maiaka Whakaruruhau Tikanga | Chief of Tikanga, sitting on the Executive Leadership Teams of Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora, where he provides national leadership on tikanga, iwi and hapuu engagement, equity, and executive advice.
Mahaki has previously held senior tikanga leadership roles within the public health system, including at Counties Manukau Health, and brings extensive experience across governance, organisational leadership, policy, and system design. He also serves as Chair of the Board of the National Health Collective (NHC), reflecting his standing and credibility in Maaori health governance at a national level.
As Board Chair of Whare Tiaki Hauora, Mahaki’s role is to provide clear governance leadership, support and challenge the executive, uphold strong Board practice, and ensure the organisation remains kaupapa-led, values-driven, and strategically focused. He brings a strong systems lens, sound judgement, and a commitment to creating the conditions for effective leadership, organisational stability, and positive outcomes for whaanau.
Mahue Greaves is the Chair of the Finance, Audit, Security and Risk (FASR) Committee and a Board Member and Director of Whare Tiaki Hauora. She brings extensive governance, executive, and systems leadership experience across the health, community, iwi, and social sectors.
Ko Māmaru te waka.
Ko Tirepa Wahine te maunga.
Ko Tokerau te moana.
Ko Parapara te awa.
Ko Ngāti Kahu te iwi.
Ko Ngāti Tara te hapū.
He uri no Te Hiku o te ika, he hononga ki ngā hapū me ngā iwi o Muriwhenua whānui.
Ki te taha o tōku māmā, he uri no Hokianga ki ngā hapū o Te Mahurehure me Te Hikutu.
Ko Muriwhenua te ūkaipō, te tūrangawaewae. I tupu ake au ki enei whenua me ngā whenua o Te Hokianga. Kei Parapara tōku kāinga noho. Ko Ngāti Kahu te mana whenua, ko ngā kaitiaki.
Mauri ora kia tātou.
Mahue has worked nationally and internationally across NGO, iwi, and statutory settings, with experience spanning frontline practice, management, and Chief Executive roles. She has held governance positions for more than 20 years, including roles across koohanga reo, schools, marae, hapuu, ruunanga, church, professional associations, and kaupapa Maaori organisations. This breadth of experience provides her with a deep understanding of community, organisational, and system-level dynamics.
As FASR Chair, Mahue provides strong governance oversight across financial management, audit and assurance, risk, and organisational sustainability. She brings a strategic and future-focused lens to financial stewardship, supporting the organisation to remain fiscally sound, relevant, and positioned to scale responsibly when required. Her experience includes serving as Treasurer, Secretary, and governance lead, supporting Board Chairs and executive teams across a range of organisations.
Mahue is known for her strong people-centred leadership style, believing that effective governance and successful organisations are built on clear communication, trusted relationships, and sound decision-making. She brings a practical understanding of whaanau, hapuu, and iwi contexts, and prioritises accessibility, quality engagement, and culturally grounded approaches to service delivery.
Her mahi is driven by a commitment to ensuring tangata whenua have equitable access to high-quality health services, and by her belief that kaupapa Maaori organisations like Whare Tiaki Hauora play a critical leadership role in shaping responsive, values-led alternatives within an increasingly corporate health environment.
Bill Takerei is a Board Member and Director of Whare Tiaki Hauora, providing senior Maaori governance leadership and strategic oversight to support the organisation’s management, operations and long term direction.
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Waikato te iwi
Ko Ngaati Whaawhaakia, Ngaati Mahuta, Ngaai Tamaraawaho, Ngati Hako ngaa hapuu.
Raised in Avondale, West Auckland and now based in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, Bill maintains strong whaanau connections to Te Kauri, Tirohia and Huria marae. His governance practice is grounded in kaupapa and informed by extensive experience across iwi providers, Maaori health organisations and government.
With over 30 year’s experience across governance, management and operations, Bill brings a strong systems and strategy focus to the Board table. He provides sound Maaori governance advice and leadership, helping to shape clear strategic direction that reflects the distinct kaupapa Maaori approach and strengths-based modelling of Whare Tiaki Hauora.
Bill’s focus is on creating the conditions for the organisation to thrive — ensuring governance settings are robust, leadership is supported and the organisation operates innovatively. He is committed to strengthening the organisation’s foundations so that services are empowered and enabled to deliver high-quality, culturally grounded care for whaanau.
Outside of governance, Bill enjoys charter fishing, time with his mokopuna, researching his whakapapa and long road trips around Aotearoa. Fun fact, Bill has been a dedicated New Zealand warriors supporter since 1995.
Kandi Ngataki is a Board Member of Whare Tiaki Hauora, bringing governance, strategic oversight, and an intergenerational lens to the organisation’s leadership.
Kandi affiliates to Tainui as her waka, with Taupiri as her maunga and Waikato as her awa and iwi. She is of Ngaati Aamaru hapuu and has strong whaanau connections to the Ngataki, Cooper, Rautangata, and Wirihana whaanau. Raised in Te Koohanga, Kandi calls Te Puuaha o Waikato home, grounding her governance approach in whenua, whaanau, and collective responsibility.
In her governance role, Kandi provides strategic direction and oversight, supporting the CEO to implement the organisation’s strategy in ways that are values-led, sustainable, and aligned with kaupapa Maaori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. She brings a strong focus on long-term impact, ensuring decisions made today strengthen outcomes for whaanau and protect the wellbeing of future generations.
Kandi’s mahi is driven by her commitment to her whaanau, mokopuna, and mokomoko. She views governance as a form of kaitiakitanga, holding space for values-led decision-making, accountability, and foresight. In this way, Whare Tiaki Hauora services continue to impact the community with integrity and purpose. Kandi also serves as a Justice of the Peace, reflecting her commitment to equity and public trust.
Outside of her governance roles, Kandi enjoys toi Maaori, masters sport, and loves watching Korean dramas.
Emily Sorby is a Board Member of Whare Tiaki Hauora, bringing senior Maaori governance, strategic oversight, and system-level leadership across health and social services, with a strong focus on equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and whaanau-centred outcomes.
Ko Tainui me Te Arawa ngā waka
Ko Weraiti me Tongariro ngā maunga
Ko Waihou me Mangapiko ngā awa
Ko Taupō-nui-a-Tia te moana
Ko Ngāti Hinerangi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa ngā iwi
Born and raised in Taamaki Makaurau, with strong connections to Ooraakei and Glen Innes, Emily’s governance approach is grounded in whakapapa, tikanga Maaori, and a deep understanding of the responsibilities that sit with decision-makers in complex systems.
Emily brings over 15 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across health, welfare, disability, and social service systems, including as Maaori Director – Starship Community and as Regional Welfare Lead for the Northern Region COVID-19 Response. Her experience spans strategic executive leadership, multi-agency system reform, and oversight of services operating in high-pressure environments.
As a Board member, Emily contributes strong governance stewardship, performance oversight, and strategic insight. She brings expertise in equity-led decision-making, children’s rights, Te Tiriti and tikanga Maaori leadership, system reform, and the co-design of culturally safe, whaanau-centred models. Her governance practice supports sustainable organisational growth, strengthens partnerships with iwi, Maaori providers, communities, and government, and ensures services remain aligned to kaupapa Maaori and community aspirations.
Emily is motivated by a commitment to seeing Maaori and whaanau experience systems that uphold mana, protect rights, and enable long-term wellbeing. Her role on the Board of Whare Tiaki Hauora reflects a focus on accountability, foresight, and contributing to enduring, positive change for whaanau and future generations.
Outside of governance, Emily enjoys watching kapa haka, bingeing thrillers, and spending time with whaanau. A fun fact — she once proof-read bestselling novels before they were released… or did she?
Aroha Haggie is a seasoned health and social services leader with more than 30 years’ experience across health care systems, policy, commissioning, research and community-centred service design. She is the CEO of Whare Tiaki Hauora Limited.
Aroha has extensive expertise in navigating complex health and community sectors, informed by decades of leadership in practice, strategic planning, and partnership development. She combines deep sector knowledge with a commitment to culturally grounded, equity-driven approaches that bring responsive care to vulnerable and underserved communities.
Under Aroha’s leadership, Whare Tiaki Hauora has grown into a trusted provider of wrap-around support, working across mental health, housing, immunisation outreach, whaanau navigation, and harm-reduction services. Her vision is to create systems that honour tikanga, uphold Maaori self-determination, and deliver measurable impact for tamariki, rangatahi, and whaanau.
Aroha is also known for her work as CEO of Makaurau Consultants, where she brings specialist insights into health policy, commissioning and service capability building. She is recognised for her strategic leadership, advocacy for equitable health outcomes, and her ability to forge meaningful relationships across government, iwi/Maaori organisations, and community partners.
Driven by a lifelong commitment to improving hauora for Maaori and community wellbeing, Aroha champions approaches that centre whaanau aspirations, cultural identity, and sustainable, community-led solutions.
Ka tangi te tītī, ka tangi te kākā, ka puta ki te whaiao ki te ao mārama. Tīhei mauri ora.
Ki Atuanui te maunga.
Ko Kaipara te moana.
Ko Māhuhu ki te rangi te waka.
Ko Ngāti Whatua te iwi.
Ko Ngā Uri o Hau te hapū.
Ko Paoru Tu Haere te Rangatira.
Ko Puatahi tooku Tuurangawaewae.
Ko au te Kaiwhakahaere Matua i Whare Tiaki Hauora.
Ko Nick Nahi ahau.
No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Nick Nahi is the Service Manager at Whare Tiaki Hauora, providing strategic and operational leadership to support high-quality, kaupapa Maaori health services that are grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and tino rangatiratanga.
Nick traces his whakapapa to Ngaati Whaatua on his father’s side from the Kaipara region, and to Tainui on his mother’s side from Te Puuaha o Waikato. His tuurangawaewae is Puatahi Marae, and his connection to whenua, whakapapa, and people strongly informs his leadership approach. Although born in Sydney, Nick was largely raised in Aotearoa, with deep roots in the Pukekohe and Tuuaakau districts, shaping a strong sense of service, responsibility, and connection to community.
Nick brings a diverse leadership background across policing, small business ownership, logistics, warehousing, and people management. These experiences have strengthened his skills in communication, customer service, workforce leadership, and relationship building, and have given him a practical, people-centred approach to managing complexity.
As Service Manager, Nick works closely with kaimahi, iwi partners, and external stakeholders to ensure services are culturally safe, responsive, and aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, organisational values, and contractual expectations. His mahi is driven by a strong commitment to supporting whaanau in holistic ways and creating environments where kaimahi feel supported, empowered, and connected to kaupapa.
For Nick, this role matters because it is about serving people well, honouring whakapapa, and ensuring services are delivered with care, consistency, and integrity. He believes strong leadership and clear communication create the conditions for positive hauora outcomes and lasting impact for whaanau.
Outside of mahi, Nick is a keen petrol head and enjoys attending local car meets and spending time with his community and whaanau.
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Waikato te iwi
Ko Ngaati Mahuta me Ngaati Whaawhaakia ngaa hapuu
Ko Tuurangawaewae me Kaitumutumu ngaa marae
I puaawai au i Te Awakairangi, aa, kua uu mai taku noho ki te paerangi o Taamaki Makaurau.
Mihi Haggie is the Programme Manager at Whare Tiaki Hauora, working alongside the CEO and senior leadership team to strengthen the systems, processes, and foundations that support our kaupapa and services.
Mihi’s mahi is driven by a commitment to clarity, equity, and collective impact. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in enabling kaimahi to do their best work with whaanau. By building strong systems, clear pathways, and well-connected information, Mihi helps create stability and confidence across the organisation.
Her approach blends strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, research and insight gathering, and thoughtful documentation, ensuring decisions are informed, practical, and aligned with kaupapa Maaori values. Mihi works closely with teams to design solutions that are fit for purpose, people-centred, and responsive to complexity.
Mihi brings over seven years’ experience in the public sector and is PRINCE2-qualified, with strengths in relationship building, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision making. She is motivated by the belief that when systems are designed well, they create space for care, connection, and meaningful outcomes for whaanau.
Outside of mahi, Mihi values creativity, learning, time in nature, and travel.
Tiria Ripia is the Office Manager and Project Coordinator at Whare Tiaki Hauora. She is of Tuuhoe descent and brings experience across the education, finance, and health sectors.
Tiria provides essential operational and administrative support that keeps the organisation running smoothly day to day. Her work focuses on coordination, organisation, and clear communication, enabling teams to work efficiently and stay focused on delivering quality support to whaanau.
Grounded in kaupapa Maaori values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and rangatiratanga, Tiria approaches her role with integrity, care, and a strong sense of responsibility. She is committed to supporting people, kaupapa, and teams across complex environments, recognising that well-run systems create stability and allow frontline mahi to thrive.
Outside of work, Tiria enjoys staying active through netball and touch, has a passion for kapa haka, and values spending quality time with her children.
Kishan brings extensive clinical, governance, and health leadership experience, including work in health policy and systems-level improvement.
At Whare Tiaki Hauora, Kishan brings his Pasifika values and clinical leadership together, with a strong focus on manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, aroha, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He is committed to supporting quality healthcare, strengthening health equity, and improving outcomes for whānau across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Robert Clark is a Kaumaatua for Whare Tiaki Hauora, providing cultural guidance, tikanga leadership, and kaumaatua support across the organisation to ensure whaanau experience care that is grounded, respectful, and culturally safe.
Ko Tainui me Te Arawa ngaa waka
Ko Taupiri me Matawharau ngaa maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Rotoiti te moana
Ko Waikato me Ngaati Pikiao ngaa iwi.
Robert affiliates to the Clark (Karaka) whaanau and spent much of his childhood moving between marae across Taamaki Makaurau and Waikato, strengthening his connection to whenua, tikanga, and whaanau. He calls Te Puuaha o Waikato home and has also lived in Pukekohe, maintaining strong ties to the communities he serves.
Robert brings deep knowledge of te ao Maaori, including tikanga, kawa, karakia, and wairuatanga, and is widely respected for his ability to guide and support organisations in upholding maatauranga Maaori in meaningful and practical ways. He has provided cultural advice to a range of Crown agencies, including the Police, and brings governance experience through roles with the Middlemore Foundation, community organisations, and board and governance groups. He also holds a prominent role within manawhenua i Taamaki Makaurau governance.
In his role as Kaumaatua, Robert provides cultural leadership, guidance, and support, helping to ensure Whare Tiaki Hauora’s mahi reflects tikanga Maaori and centres whaanau voice. He plays an important role in supporting kaimahi, strengthening relationships, and fostering culturally safe environments for whaanau and the wider organisation. Through Robert’s ongoing cultural expertise, people-centred and tikanga-led approach, he strengthens organisational capability and provides guidance across complex situations. His leadership supports safe practice and directly upholds the quality, integrity, and mana of service delivery.
This mahi matters deeply to Robert because the health and wellbeing of whaanau Maaori is always at the forefront of his work. His guiding principle reflects this commitment: “Mahia te mahi hei painga moo te iwi.”
Paula Clark is the Kuia for Whare Tiaki Hauora, providing cultural guidance, tikanga and kawa leadership, and manaakitanga to support whaanau, kaimahi, and the wider organisation.
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Te Awamarahi tooku marae
Ko Ngaati Aamaru te hapuu
Ko Paula Tauhara Clark tooku ingoa.
Paula affiliates to Tainui, with strong connections to Waikato, Waiohua, and Maniapoto. She is of Ngaati Aamaru descent and, alongside her Tauhara whaanau, holds close familial connections to the Katipa whaanau. Paula calls Te Puuaha o Waikato home, where her identity and values are firmly grounded in whenua, whaanau, and tikanga.
Paula brings experience from her previous mahi as a Maaori Warden Health Support Worker and a Mental Health and Disability Community Support Worker, roles that strengthened her commitment to caring for people in ways that are respectful, practical, and whaanau-focused.
In her role as Kuia at Whare Tiaki Hauora, Paula supports kaimahi through guidance, care, and encouragement, and plays an important role in whakatau, as well as providing leadership in tikanga and kawa. She helps create a safe, welcoming, and culturally grounded environment where whaanau and staff feel supported and valued. Through her ongoing cultural expertise, she strengthens capability through a people-centred approach and provides practice guidance across diverse and often complex situations. In doing so, Paula contributes directly to the quality and integrity of service delivery across the organisation’s services.
This mahi matters deeply to Paula because of her desire to support whaanau and contribute to healthy, caring environments for all. She is guided by a strong sense of service and a genuine love for helping others.
Outside of mahi, Paula enjoys spending time with her whaanau and mokopuna, and continues to share her care, wisdom, and aroha with those around her.
Whether you are looking for support, have some paatai or want to make a referral – our team is ready to help. Reach out and touch base.
