Ko Moehau te Maunga

Ko Waihau te Awa

Ko Te Kapakapa te Moana

Ko Tainui te Waka

Ko Ngāti Maru, Ko Ngāti Airangi, Ko Ngāti Kotemana ngā Iwi

No Hauraki Ahau

Ko Juanita Ryan Toku Ingoa

In November 2020 Juanita was permanently appointed Deputy Chief Executive, Health Services of Ara Poutama.  She is responsible for the operational delivery (both internally and contractually) of health, mental health, addictions and disability services for people on remand, or sentence with the Department.  

Juanita joined Ara Poutama 12 years ago as a psychologist in the Waikato spending much of her time working at Waikeria Prison.  Other roles she has held include, Principal Psychologist, Director Programmes and Interventions and Chief Psychologist.   

Since commencing her present role in November 2019 she has worked to strengthen the leadership and service delivery within the Health Rōpu.  The Health Services team have a clear focus and vision to transform health services to support and enable Pae Ora and achieve equity of Health care for Māori health.  Four key priorities sit under this objective.  These priorities form the core of the work programme for the team:

1. develop a Kaupapa Māori Health Service 
2. develop a Health Services Governance Framework 
3. develop a Health Services Outcomes Measurement Tool
4. strengthen and expand mental health and addictions services

Juanita is particularly committed to working on social justice for Māori and greatly values the relationships Ara Poutama has formed with iwi and mana whenua in working towards a shared goal of significantly better outcomes for Māori.