Eddie Edmonds (Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga)
Acute Mental Health Inpatient, After Hours, District and Hospital Services
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"First and foremost, we are accountable to our people, our whānau. That’s who we are representing!"
What led you to this role?
The ongoing health inequities experienced by whānau Māori was a key driver. This role is a powerful opportunity to lead meaningful change and directly challenge the inequities Māori face.
What drives your passion for improving equity?
I want to see Māori representation at all levels, from engagement, to leadership including the decision-making table. Māori representation from the start and throughout the process ensures equity is embedded from the beginning, not added as an afterthought.
What opportunities do you see for this role to improve equity in MHAIDS services?
Health equity for Māori can only be achieved through Māori input and Māori-led solutions to shape our way. I’d like to reach a point where our role is no longer necessary - hei tohu o te Rangatiratanga. This would demonstrate that the needs and aspirations of our people are fully met and it's normalised.
What are you looking forward to in this role?
Intellectual Disability Service
He uri āhau heke mai ai i ngā uri o Ngāti Ruanui me Tāngahoe.
Ko Hāmua Pāwhakaruru ko Hāpotiki Tūwhakaare.
Ko Te Manu Tutaki Wi-Neera tēnei.
What led you to this role?
I am stepping into a leadership role where I can advocate for equitable change for whānau.
I bring my experience working as a Kaiārahi (family court navigator) at the Hutt Valley Court where I was advocating for whānau in the court system. I previously held a role as Kaimānaki at the Hutt Valley DHB liaising with Māori patients and their whānau.
What drives your passion for improving equity?
The potential for the system to deliver equitable outcomes to all tāngata whaiora - “aha koa ko wai”.
What opportunities do you see for this role to improve equity in MHAIDS services?
What are you looking forward to in this role?
Working together with kaimahi Māori for whānau Māori to create equitable changes in the health system.
