The Health Hawke’s Bay Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Irihāpeti Mahuika to the organisation in the role of CEO. Irihāpeti is currently the Director of Hauora Māori and Equity at Pegasus Health in Canterbury, one of the largest PHOs in NZ.

In this leadership role Irihāpeti was responsible for supporting Canterbury’s commitment to reduce inequities, increase access to primary care services and improve hauora outcomes working closely with general practice, Iwi, Māori providers and allied health professionals in the primary care sector.

Irihāpeti says she is looking forward to engaging with General Practitioners and all primary care providers in Hawke’s Bay.

“I have a great passion for Kaupapa Māori and believe that strong, mana-enhancing relationships with communities centred around whānau are key to empowering whānau to be leaders of their Hauora.”

Irihāpeti has a very strong background in the education sector, and brings this extensive knowledge and experience with her into the work she does as a leader in the health sector. She leads the Hauora Māori Primary Care Leadership group, Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua, which brings collaboration and innovation across Aotearoa to support mahi under the aspirations of Pae Ora.

“I know Irihāpeti is looking forward to working with primary care leaders to ensure we create opportunities within the health reforms that provide better access to health care,” says Health Hawke’s Bay Board Chair Dr Darran Lowes. “The mahi and aspirations of Collaborative Aotearoa and her leadership role with this kaupapa also adds wonderful opportunity for us all.”

In addition to co-chairing Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua, Irihāpeti is a member of the executive for GPNZ, co-chair of Collaborative Aotearoa and the co-chair of the sponsors groups for Te Tumu Waiora Canterbury.

Irihāpeti is of Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māhaki ki Te Tai Poutini and Ngāti Apa ki te rā tō descent. She is from Waitaha, Canterbury and is a māmā of a blended whānau of nine tamariki and two mokopuna. Her youngest daughter has whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu and she is looking forward to connecting her with her whakapapa through moving to Te Matau-a-Mauī.

Irihāpeti will join the PHO on 30 October 2023.