Ms Gwen Tepania-Palmer, ONZM, of Hamilton, for services to Māori and health
Gwen Tepania-Palmer (Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu, Ngati Paoa) was the first National Heart Foundation director to create a specific response to Māori heart disease, Te Hotu Manawa Māori, now Toi Tangata – Specialists in Positive Health, Fitness and Nutrition.
She was National Clinical Manager of Māori Health Funding in the Transitional Health Authority. She helped develop a marae-based nutrition programme, a Māori Nursing Midwifery Service, four Māori health services centres, the Māori disability support service Te Roopu Taurima, and Māori health business boards in three tribal areas.
She was Executive Manager of Auckland University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Te Kupenga Hauora. Ms Tepania-Palmer has given 18 years of governance Māori health leadership to Waitemata and Auckland DHBs and was a director of the Health Quality and Safety Commission.