I am Tui Taurua (Ngāpuhi), a lived-experience leader, Indigenous researcher, and creator of the Māori recovery and leadership model Rapua Te Hinengaro Tangata Toa (Seek the Mind of a Warrior). My work has emerged from decades of navigating mental distress, recovery, and leadership within Aotearoa’s mental health system. Through this journey I have developed a wairua-centred framework that supports transformation from tangata whaiora—a person seeking wellbeing—to tangata toa—a person who stands in strength and purpose.

I currently serve in a number of national governance and advisory roles across the health and lived-experience sectors. I am the Chair of CLEAR – the Collaborative Lived Experience Advisory Rōpū within Collaborative Aotearoa, and I contribute to several national boards and advisory groups including work with the Health and Disability Commissioner and the Medical Council of New Zealand. My leadership focuses on strengthening the presence of lived experience and mātauranga Māori within health system transformation.

I am currently completing a master’s degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge (He Waka Hiringa) with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. My research explores the philosophical and spiritual foundations of healing through my evolving framework Te Kuaha o te Ao Wairua, which places wairua, whakapapa, and relational knowledge at the centre of recovery and leadership. Through my writing, teaching, and advocacy, I seek to challenge clinical paradigms while creating pathways that honour Māori knowledge, lived experience, and collective wellbeing.