About Te Ao Mārama
Ko Wai Mātou
'Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori' Good oral health for Māori, for life.
Est. 1995
Our Whakapapa
Expressing our constitutional right, Te Ao Mārama was formed on 26th May 1995 making a sovereign decision to address appalling statistics regarding the oral health of our people as highlighted by kaupapa Māori research. The association was ably led by foundation president Mrs Inez Kingi, kaumātua Mr Pihopa Kingi and executive director John Broughton.
Te Ao Mārama takes its name from the historic Te Ao Mārama building in Ohinemutu, Rotorua where the first hui took place, and was conferred on the group by Ngāti Whakaue kaumātua Pihopa Kingi.
Te Ao Mārama is an important forum for members to showcase and share information about new initiatives that have positive outcomes for Māori oral health. We are also a professional body that acknowledges and celebrates members who are driving positive change, optimising leadership potential and working towards reducing Māori oral health inequities.
Our future priorities include supporting the professional development of the Māori oral health workforce and developing rewarding career pathways, building research capability to conduct significant Māori research projects and working closer with Iwi and Māori communities to ensure the best access possible to the best services available.
Executive Committee
Ngā Kaiwhakahaere
Dr Margaret-Rae Clark
(Ngāti Awa, Te Āti Awa) — Dentist, Ora Toa PHO
Samuel Carrington
(Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hurungaterangi) — Oral Health Therapist, Senior Lecturer, Associate Dean Māori, UoO
Dr Eru McGregor
(Ngāpuhi, Te Māhurehure) — Dentist, Doubtless Bay Dental
Dr Kura Lacey
(Te Arawa, Ngāruahine) — Dentist, University of Otago (UoO)
Rehutai Tipene
(Ngāti Kahungungu, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Rangitāne) — Oral Health Therapist, Te Whatu Ora Waitematā
Lateisha Chant
(Rangitāne ki wairau, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Kāi Tahu) — Oral Health Therapist, Bee Healthy Dental
Sharnee Diamond
(Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Raukawa) — Oral Health Therapist, Lecturer, University of Otago (UoO)
Our Logo
HEI ORANGA NIHO MO TE IWI MĀORI
In 1996 the Te Ao Mārama logo was designed by Wayne Hapi. The two manaia (mythical creatures) are figures synonymous in Māori culture with being guardian entities. In this whakaahua the manaia are guardians of oral health, represented by the toothbrush and toothpaste. The intertwining arms of the manaia represent the seamless relationship between oral health, general health and spiritual wellbeing. The koru designs framing the manaia symbolise the nurturing of our vision — 'Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori'.
Our people
Ngā Kaimahi
Te Ao Mārama has a dedicated group of leaders. Ngā Kaiwhakahaere fulfil both a leadership and management role and are responsible for the activities of the rōpū, setting the strategic direction of the organisation, managing resources and implementing all major initiatives. Ngā Kaiwhakahaere also represents Te Ao Mārama on several influential health discussion panels, advisory boards and interest groups. Successful nominees are confirmed at the Annual General Meeting and represent a range of oral health professionals from the sector.
Contact the Executive Committee
Email: nzteaomarama@gmail.com
Whakamaumahara
In memoriam — those who shaped our journey
The late Inez Kingi, M.N.Z.M (Ngāti Whakaue)
The late Bishop Hamilton Pihopa Manaia Kingi, M.N.Z.M (Ngāti Whakaue)
The late Astrid Tawhai (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Te Ehutu)
Highest honour
Ngā Mema ā Oranga
Life Members
Emeritus Professor John Broughton
C.N.Z.M — ED BSC (Massey) BDS PHD PGDIPCOMDENT DIPGRAD (Otago) JP
Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungungu ki Heretaunga
Dame Areta Koopu
D.N.Z.M, C.B.E
Te Aitanga-ā-Hauiti, Ngāti Kahu
Also Recognised
Dr Albert Kewene (Tainui)
Dr Herbert Hunaara Kaa (Ngāti Porou)
Miniie McGibbon (Ngāpuhi)
Kuia
Vicki Rangitautehanga Murray
Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāpuhi
Kaiārahi Ahurea
Hone Hurihanganui
Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Whaoa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whakaue
Our Goals
Ō mātou Whāinga
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Uphold Māori oral health as guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
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Reclaim the right of our people to decide and set goals for their oral health.
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Safeguard and promote the oral health of te iwi Māori.
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Promote the opportunity for te iwi Māori to access quality oral health services.
Our Mission
Tā mātou Whakakitenga
'Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori'
Good Oral health for Māori, for life.
Our Outcome
Tā mātou Putanga
Māori enjoying good oral health at all ages.
Te Māngai Hangarau ā Niho
Tā mātou Aronga
To improve Māori oral health through leadership, education, research and evaluation, workforce development and innovative, systemic transformation.
Our Position
Tō mātou Tūranga
To advocate, support and develop initiatives that lead to 'Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori'.