Long-time health advocate appointed as Manukura - Bay of Plenty District Health Board

From left, Chairperson Māori Health Rūnanga Pouroto Ngaropo, Manukura Marama Tauranga, and Chairperson BOPDHB Sharon Shea.

Marama Tauranga (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, Taranaki) has been appointed as the new Manukura - Executive Director Toi Ora at Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

A powhiri was organised last month by Te Rūnanga Hauora Māori o Te Moana a Toi along with tāngata whenua of Tauranga Moana to officially recognise her appointment.

Held at Huria Marae, in Tauranga, the event was well attended by health professionals from throughout Bay of Plenty including Bay of Plenty District Health

Board members, Sharon Shea (Chairperson) and Bev Edlin, Interim CEO, Simon Everitt, Pouroto Ngaropo (Rūnanga Chairperson) as well as a number of Marama's colleagues, whānau and friends.

Marama brings of wealth of experience with her, having previously held roles as the Bay of Plenty District Health Board's Health Equity Manager and Tauranga Hospital ED Clinical Nurse Manager.

She says she's excited about her new role, "I'm grateful for the new challenge ahead as Manukura here in Te Moana a Toi (Coastal Bay of Plenty). From both Aotea and Waikato waka, my ancestors include Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana and the prophets of Parihaka, Tōhu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai.

I want to emulate their examples as transformational leaders who valued education and the pursuit of higher learning but most importantly, people."

Sharon Shea said Marama is an experienced clinician and has a passion for improving Māori equity and outcomes. "She is a valued addition to our team and is recognised by all as a Wahine Toa in the space. We are looking forward to supporting Marama to shift the dial on equity with system-wide partner support."

Marama has been the interim Manukura since February 2020. Simon Everitt said Marama was a natural fit for the job. "It is really exciting to have her as part of the Executive Team and providing us with guidance to advance Te Toi Ahorangi, ensuring that the DHB has a strong focus on improving Māori health and wellbeing across the Bay of Plenty. We are really proud of the fact that Marama comes from a strong clinical background

having worked in various settings across the DHB and that she can now bring this experience and leadership to the Manukura role."

In her role as Manukura, Marama will work alongside Te Rūnanga Hauora Māori o Te Moana a Toi to further progress the goals set out in the Toi Ora Strategy, Te Toi Ahorangi 2030. "Like my ancestors I am looking for opportunities to embrace meaningful change for future

generations by honouring our past, valuing all worldviews, challenging the status quo, building bridges, connecting people, systems and processes."