Māori leaders in digital health celebrated at Matihiko Awards 2025

NEWS 

Two Māori digital health leaders are the winners of the Public Sector category at the Ngā Tohu Matihiko | Matihiko Awards 2025.

Sonny Taite (Ngāi Te Rangi), National Chief Information Security Officer at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, was honoured with the Tōtara Award (established leader).

Jahminique Chivers (Ngāti Porou) received the Tipu Award (emergent leader) and leads Māori Data Governance at Te Tāhū Hauora | Health Quality & Safety Commission.

The Public Sector category, supported by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, acknowledges the impact of Māori kaimahi across the public sector.

Jon Herries, Group Manager Emerging Health Technologies at Health New Zealand, was also one of six finalists nominated in this category.

HiNZ chair and product manager at Karo, Kyle Forde, was a finalist in the Tōtara Innovator Award.

Darren Douglass, Chief Information Technology Officer, Health NZ, said Sonny Taite’s recognition as a Tōtara reflects his unwavering commitment to protecting the digital wellbeing of our health system.

“It is also fantastic to see Jon Herries recognised among the finalists, a true reflection of the strength of Māori leadership in digital across Health NZ.”

Chivers said in a LinkedIn post, "ngā mihi nui to everyone who has walked beside me, uplifted me, challenged me, held me this is not mine alone. This is for all of us."

The awards ceremony was held at Te Pae, Ōtautahi Christchurch