Ms Ria Earp, of Wellington, ONZM, for services to health
Ria Earp (Te Arawa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) was the Deputy Director General Māori Health with the Ministry of Health, where she focused on reducing inequalities and improving access to healthcare. As Chief Executive of Mary Potter Hospice, she ensured Māori involvement, leadership and engagement became standard practice. She has held several governance roles, including with the Hutt Valley District Health Board and Health Quality Safety Commission. She is a member of the Wellington Free Ambulance board and Chair of Te Rōpū Taki Māori, the Māori leadership group for Hospice New Zealand. Her consultancy, established in 2017, focuses on Māori advice in health policies and social services. Ms Earp was the Acting Chief Executive for Te Hauora Runanga o Wairarapa, a Māori community mental health and social service provider.