Founders

Matua Jon Royal - Co-Founder

Matua Jon is a respected leader in Māori health and wellbeing, deeply committed to integrating traditional Māori healing practices with modern therapeutic frameworks. His extensive career spans strategic and operational roles in Corrections, enabling him to bridge cultural wisdom and organisational strategy. Jon's leadership ensures Te Waiora's values and principles remain at the forefront of everything we do.

Dianne Te Tau (Di) - Co-Founder

Di brings a wealth of experience in social work, counselling, and mental health services, underpinned by a strong policy and program management background. Recognised for shaping effective, resource-efficient healthcare services, her contributions at Counties Manukau Health and her published work in New Zealand Doctor underscore her impact on the sector. Di's vision drives the strategic direction of Te Waiora H.E.A.L., ensuring its solutions are both innovative and effective.

Key Team Members

Piri Te Tau - Cultural Foundation Advisor

With over three decades of experience in social and health services, Piri continues to guide Te Waiora through his cultural wisdom and governance expertise. As the chair of IMPB in Wairarapa, his influence helps uphold the kaupapa Māori foundation at the heart of Te Waiora's mission.

Maddie - Research and Evaluation Specialist

Currently based in Melbourne, Maddie combines her expertise in health promotion, research, evaluation, and frontline community work to support Māori communities. Her ability to gather and interpret data ensures that Te Waiora’s services remain evidence-based and impactful. Her health promotions background further enhances her contributions to the team.

Hannah - Social Work Practitioner

Hannah began her career under the mentorship of Dianne Te Tau and continues to integrate the principles of Te Waiora into her practice. Now working in the Manawatu/Horowhenua/Tararua region, Hannah remains passionate about serving Māori and Pasifika communities, supporting health professionals, and contributing to Te Waiora's research initiatives.

Christine -Advanced Evaluation Specialist

Having recently completed her PhD, Christine is a highly sought-after expert in evaluation and research. Her advanced skills are integral to Te Waiora's commitment to evidence-based practice, helping to deliver insightful and actionable outcomes for the communities we serve.

Belinda Te Tau - Operations and Governance Specialist

With over 20 years of experience as an Executive Assistant in public and private sectors, Belinda ensures operational excellence at Te Waiora. Her transition into Procurement and Contract Administration in WA Health demonstrates her commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Her expertise in policy and governance supports Te Waiora’s mission to deliver impactful services.

Sativa - Administration Coordinator

Sativa manages the administrative functions of Te Waiora, ensuring the team operates efficiently. Her organizational skills and attention to detail support the seamless delivery of services to clients and communities.

Sean Long - IT and Systems Expert

Sean provides critical IT and systems support, ensuring Te Waiora’s technological needs are met. His expertise in system management streamlines operations, allowing the team to focus on their mission of enhancing community wellbeing.

Leah Hēmi - Waves Facilitator

Leah's passion is to contribute professionally & personally to vulnerable tangata in our community, living in mental distress, actively seeking supports & resources to healing, and Hauora. With extensive experience in various mental health roles, including YellowBrickRoad and National Public Health, Leah is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. She champions the idea that combining individual and collective skillsets with dedicated service providers ensures high-quality, informative, and accessible service delivery—offered conveniently from the privacy of your home through virtual, real-time connections.