The purpose of the Interim Establishment Board (IEB) is to advance the establishment of Te Mana Pūtahi. Its members are Māori health leaders within their own communities and bring significant qualifications and experience to this kaupapa.
Dr Maria Baker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa) is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years' experience in healthcare, mental health, organisational development, and workforce development. Her work is focused on building Māori workforce capability and strengthening outcomes for whānau. Maria completed her PhD in Māori Health, developing the theory Seeking Solutions to Being Restricted, which explores how Māori manage mental distress and engage with mental health services in Te Tai Tokerau. She currently serves as Chief Executive of Te Hiku Hauora, a role she took up in 2023.
Selina Elkington (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia) is a leading Māori addiction practitioner with extensive experience across Kaupapa Māori and mainstream addiction services. Her work is focused on addressing systemic inequities and improving outcomes for Māori communities. Throughout her career, Selina has contributed to workforce development and service improvement initiatives within the addiction sector, supporting practitioners to deliver high-quality care for whānau. She currently serves as Programme Manager – Addiction at Te Pou in Wellington, where she leads workforce development initiatives for the addiction sector.
Matetu Mihinui (Te Arawa) was born and raised in Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, and maintains strong connections to his iwi and community. Now based in Tauranga Moana, he has a longstanding connection to the region through his maternal great-great-grandmother, Ātaraiti Brady. Matetu has worked in the mental health and addiction sector for more than 25 years across a range of roles, supporting whānau and communities. He is honoured to contribute to this kaupapa and is committed to strengthening the future of the profession and the wellbeing of the communities he serves.
Karaitiana Tickell (Ngāi Tahu) is the Kaiwhakahaere (Chief Executive) of Purapura Whetu Trust and has extensive experience delivering mental health and alcohol and other drug services to whānau. His work is guided by a commitment to prevention, wellbeing, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality care. As a clinician and advocate for Māori health equity, Karaitiana champions approaches that address systemic barriers and improve outcomes for whānau. He is committed to advancing a pro-equity, anti-racist health system that supports healthier futures for Māori and communities across Aotearoa.
Donna Matahaere-Atariki (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Te Ātiawa) has extensive experience across education, health, social services, and governance. She has held governance roles with the Gambling Commission and the University of Otago, and previously served as Chair of Te Kāhui, the Māori Advisory Group to Aroturuki Tamariki, the Independent Children’s Monitor. Donna brings strong expertise in child protection, whānau wellbeing, and community development, along with deep relationships across iwi, hapū, and community organisations. She is committed to strengthening outcomes for Māori through collaborative leadership and systems change.
Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford (Te Arawa) has more than 20 years' experience in Māori health workforce development, organisational psychology, tertiary education, and NGO service development. She currently serves as General Manager of Poutiri Trust and is a member of the Mental Health Leadership Group and the Health Quality & Safety Commission. Kirsty has previously held leadership and workforce development roles with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Massey University, Ngā Kākano Foundation, and served as the inaugural Chief Executive of Te Rau Matatini. She is committed to strengthening Māori health leadership and workforce capability across Aotearoa.
Carole Koha (Te Rarawa) has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention services for whānau. Trained as a registered nurse, she has worked across both mainstream clinical services and kaupapa Māori organisations, helping to develop and strengthen Māori mental health and addiction services within communities and iwi settings. Carole is a strong advocate for kaupapa Māori approaches and for addressing the inequities faced by Māori providers and whānau. She currently serves as Chief Executive of Te Waka Whaiora, supporting tangata whai ora and their whānau through by-Māori, for-Māori services across the Wellington region.
