Tane has brought immense energy, creative thinking and courage to enable people, their whānau/family and communities to support their health and wellbeing. Importantly, he has woven Māori and Pasifika world views into all of his team’s work.  As the Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Hauora, New Zealand’s Health Promotion Agency, Tane has demonstrated a strong commitment to mental health and addiction, enabling Te Hiringa Hauora to be one of the first government agencies to invest in digital approaches to mental health promotion. 

Ko ngā hōtaka ko: 

• “Small Steps” – A series of digital tool kits focused on supporting sleep right through from babies to older adults to support managing stress and calming the mind to improve wellbeing.  
• “Just Ask. Just Listen.” – the new national mental health awareness campaign. 
• “Helpseekers” and “Yeah/Nah” campaigns helping people and society, in positive ways, in the use of alcohol within the New Zealand culture.  

Our referees for this award are extraordinarily impressed by Tane’s ability to create novel solutions to often entrenched problems, many of which involve using digital formats.  Our referees also value his ability to bring his strong understanding of the importance of whānau (family) and whakapapa (genealogy) to all of his work, and his belief in rangatiratanga – that Māori can lead their own solutions.   For Māori and Pasifika people, and people who live rurally, accessing mental health support services is challenging. Tane is focused on ensuring that the right services are available  and culturally competent people work to connect with these communities.  

E whakamihi ana tēnei kaiārahi māhaki ki ana kaimahi.  I hōhā tonu a mātau kaiwawao i te mea, ahakoa he mārire a ia, he uaua a ia me he nēra. Me kaua tātau e tuku i tōna menemene whānui ki te tinihanga i a tātau – ka mahi tēnei kaiārahi i tōna kawenga i roto i tōna whākaha.  

Ko te rapu i ngā huarahi hōu me ngā huarahi hōu e whakatoko me te tautoko i ngā tāngata hauora, ngā whānau hauora, ngā hapori ora me te iwi hauora, ko tātau kaiwhiwhi tika rawa ia rā. Ko tēnei whakaaro auaha me ngā whakaaro auaha me tēnei whai i te hauora me te hauora pai ake, e tika ana ki ngā whāinga o te eMHIC.