GPNZ congratulates Irihāpeti Mahuika on her appointment as Manukura | Chief Executive Officer at Health Hawkes Bay

General Practice New Zealand proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to Irihāpeti Mahuika on her appointment as Manukura| Chief Executive Officer at Health Hawkes Bay.

“I know I speak for our whole executive team when I say we fully support Irihāpeti in her new role. She’s a valued member of our executive, helping to bring a strong Kaupapa Māori world view to our conversations and decisions,” says chair Dr Bryan Betty.

“Beyond her role with the executive, she is doing incredible work in her role as co-chair of Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua who we are privileged to have as kaitiaki for GPNZ.”

“We’ve worked with Irihāpeti and the team at Health Hawkes Bay for many years and can see the strong alignment of values between them. With that in place we can see Health Hawkes Bay continue to grow from strength to strength.”

This is a sentiment shared by co-chair of Ngā Matapihi o te Wairua, Mihi Blair.

“Within the PHO network Māori leadership is a minority, which is another cause for celebration and pride on Irihāpeti’s appointment,” says Mihi.

“Irihāpeti has the ability to lead authentically, injecting kaupapa Māori principles and values to drive improved outcomes for whānau Māori. She has a deep knowledge of the general practice sector and understands the issues, challenges and opportunities that are embedded in the primary care system.

“I am really looking forward to supporting her, and continuing to work alongside her as she embraces this step in her journey, and helps to pave the way for the next generation of Māori health leaders.”

Irihāpeti is currently the Director of Hauora Māori and Equity at Pegasus Health in Canterbury, a member organisation of GPNZ. In this role she has provided transformative leadership, shaping Pegasus’s commitment to reducing inequities and playing an integrate role in the creation of their population health strategy.

Irihāpeti will join Health Hawkes Bay at the end of October, allowing time to ensure a smooth transition for both organisations – including continued support to Pegasus’s new chief executive at Pegasus, Kim Sinclair-Morris, as she settles in.