Te Kete Pounamu

Te Kete Pounamu is a national voice for Māori who have experienced mental distress or addictions related harm. The movement was formed in 2015 following increasing concern of the use of harmful restrictive practices on Māori and the increasing inequities in Māori Health and Wellbeing.  

Since their formation, Te Kete Pounamu has established regional network spanning the length and breath of Aotearoa, New Zealand.  They have enhanced lived experience leadership and advocated for systematic change across the health and social sectors.

They continue to advocate for Māori to receive high quality care and support, while also supporting the development of services that are by whaiora Māori, for whaiora Māori.

From Left Back Row: Gloria Sheridan, Rihari Tekoti, Kelli-Anne Te Huki, Wi Huata Co-Chair), Aaryn Nuiapu, Barry Bublitz, Rose Heta-Minhinnick, Kerri Butler

Front Row:  Leilani Maraku (Co-Chair), Hori Kingi (Kaumatua), Joanne Henare