Mō Mātou. About Us.

Hei Āhuru Mōwai - meaning sheltered haven - was a name gifted to us by Kaumatua Kingi Turner (Ngāti Maniapoto) in 2012. It embodies our mission to provide a safe space for Māori cancer specialists to come together, wānanga, and collectively address Māori cancer inequities.

Our rōpū is led by Co-chairs Dr Nina Scott and Professor Jacquie Kidd, and Tumuaki CEO Gary Thompson.​

We come from a variety of backgrounds including oncology, general medicine, public health, onco-surgery, wairua healing, health promotion, bio medical cancer science, mātauranga Māori cancer research, cancer screening, equity, haematology, pharmacology, advocacy, nursing, epidemiology and Māori health.​

We focus on cancer research, system level cancer issues and collaborating with Māori leaders across the health sector.

  • Tā mātou pae kahurangi i te tau 3000. Our vision.

    Ko te matepukupuku ki te pō,
    ko ngā whānau Māori ki Te Wheiao,
    ki Te Ao Mārama.

  • Tō mātou whāinga matua. Our mission.

    To embed Rangatiratanga into cancer control, eliminate cancer inequities between Māori and non-Māori and advocate for better outcomes for whānau.

  • Ō mātou uara. Our values.


    Āhurutanga is our backbone. Rangatiratanga is our purpose.

Whāngai Pae Tawhiti.
Our 2023-2026 strategic goals.

Our overarching strategic goal: Rangatiratanga in cancer control.

Māngai: To be the trusted expert voice for Māori cancer control.
Rangahau: To establish an expert Māori cancer research unit.
Mātauranga: To build and optimise our collective Māori cancer intelligence.
Āhuru Rourou: To build a fit for purpose and thriving resource filled whare.

  • Āhuru Māori

    We maintain our unique Māori view and tikanga in cancer control.

  • Āhuru Hua

    We prioritise action and outcomes.

  • Āhuru Reo

    We treasure Te Reo Māori.

  • Āhuru Rourou

    We grow and maintain guardianship of our resources.

Ā Mātou Kaimahi. Our Team.

  • Gary Thompson

    Tumuaki
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Kanita Nikora

    Āhuru Whakahaere Whare
    Operations Manager

  • Cindy Dargaville

    Principal Advisor
    Policy and Research

  • Robyn O'Dwyer

    Cancer Care Navigation
    Services Relationship Manager

  • Jaylene Wehipeihana

    Integrated Cancer Services
    Relationship Manager

  • Aden Morunga

    Communications and
    Engagement Lead

  • Anne Douglas

    Āhuru Pūtea
    Finance Manager

  • Florence Talevakarua

    Āhuru Taituarā Matua
    Operations Coordinator

  • Haylee Simon

    Āhuru Taituarā Matua
    Operations Coordinator (on leave)

Te Mana Whakahaere. Board of Trustees.

  • Nina Scott

    Tiamana. Co-chair.

  • Jacquie Kidd

    Tiamana. Co-chair.

  • Jonathan Koea

    Tarahitī. Trustee.

  • Gail McLauchlan

    Tarahitī. Trustee.

  • Rawiri Blundell

    Tarahitī. Trustee.

  • Anne Douglas

    Tarahitī. Trustee.

Tā Mātou Waiata. Our Song.