Peter Thomas has been confirmed as Director Region, Te Tai Tokerau – Northland for Te Aka Whai Ora.

“We are delighted to announce Peter’s appointment,” says Regional Director Northern, Te Aka Whai Ora – Tracee Te Huia.

“Peter has an exceptional background in delivering strong health outcomes for whānau and we know that he has an absolute passion for the work in front of us. He has led his team with empathy and skill over the past 15 months, particularly during the recent period of transition, in his role as Tumuaki Hauora Māori, Acting General Manager of Te Poutokomanawa/ Māori Health Directorate for Te Tai Tokerau/ Northern Region.

“I know that Peter is looking forward to working together as team with Māori health partners, iwi leaders and Independent Māori Partnership Boards to achieve equitable health outcomes for whānau throughout our region.”

Peter Thomas was raised in Moerewa and Panguru. Te Waiariki, Ngātimanawa, Te Uri o te Aho and Te Waekoi are his hapū.  Te Rarawa is his Iwi.Peter was Chair of the Auckland Regional Leadership Group on Whānau Ora, Co-Chair of Te Ora o Manukau improving the future urban environment for Māori communities, Māori caucus lead of the Public Health Association of New Zealand, a trustee of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and previous chair of INA (Māori, Indigenous & South Pacific) HIV/AIDS Foundation and currently a Board Director for Te Rarawa Anga Mua.As Acting GM Māori for Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora, Peter has been focused on developing and delivering strategies and initiatives to make a difference for whānau by 2040, the 200th anniversary of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Peter’s partnership in the sector to date has been of great value to improving the health of Māori in Te Tai Tokerau.