Veteran Māori health advocate Phyllis Tangitu (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Awa) has been recognised as one of Te Rau Ora’s 100 Māori Leaders.

This significant announcement celebrates over three decades of commitment to mental health advocacy and systemic change for Māori.

Reflecting on the honour, Tangitu said she remains grounded in her purpose.

“I am always humbled by these things. When I was on the phone, I rang Riki to say, ‘Auē, what’s this?’”

“But I get it, and I do appreciate the more kōrero is out there that are across us and how it can encourage people.”

Throughout her career, which includes a transformative 33-year tenure at the Lakes District Health Board, Phyllis has maintained a strong connection to her roots.

Tangitu credits her success to those who guided her early path.

“Often, I did not have a choice.”

“People like Kinita, Margaret, and Uncle Happy were in the background, given to us by Ngāti Whakaue to ensure what we did was right as Manawhenua.”

Currently serving as Mana Whakahaere at Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa, Phyllis continues to advocate for the community—particularly the evolution of Māori health providers and how they became the front line for families during Covid.

“They’ve been really clever about what it is that they have available to them through the system, because, you know, our health system has a responsibility to the health needs of our people.”

Dr Iwi Te Whau, who has worked alongside Tangitu for two decades, says the recognition is well-deserved.

“Amidst this environment, Mama Phyllie and I were able to work together and gather the essence of health authority together as well, along with her work on the hospital board in Pukeroa.”

Dr Te Whau is the chairman of Korowai Aroha Trust, a Māori health provider that works alongside advocates like Tangitu.

Dr Te Whau said Te Rau Ora’s recognition of Tangitu’s contribution is long overdue.

“In my opinion, that is the very reason why Te Rau Ora is celebrating this woman of mana of ours.”

“It was her dream to strengthen health authority in Rotorua, and indeed the wellbeing of our people, based on the expertise of compassion.”