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. 

Programmes include:  

• “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.  

This humble leader is adored by his staff.  Our referees warmly shared that, while he’s a quiet achiever, he’s tough as nails. We shouldn’t let his broad smile fool us – this capable leader takes his responsibility in his stride.  

Actively seeking new and creative opportunities that promote and support healthy people, healthy whānau, healthy communities and healthy iwi is what our very worthy recipient does every day. It is both this creative and innovative thinking and this pursuit of better health and wellbeing, that align so well with the endeavours of eMHIC.