Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of John Whaanga to the role of Deputy Director-General Māori health
John is affiliated to Ngâti Râkaipaaka, Ngâti Kahungunu and Ngâti Rongomaiwahine. In 2018, John was acknowledged in parliament for his work in successfully negotiating a hundred million Treaty of Waitangi settlement for Ngâ Iwi me Ngâ Hapû o Te Rohe o Te Wairoa – the culmination of over 30 years work.
John originally joined the Ministry of Health in 1993, and spent six years here, culminating in management roles in both public health and Māori health (as Manager, Te Kete Hauora).
In the last six years John has undertaken a number of significant roles in tertiary education, including as: Chief Advisor Wânanga, Tertiary Education Commission; Deputy Chief Executive, Te Wânanga o Aotearoa; and Chief Operating Officer, Taratahi Institute of Agriculture.