Kiritapu Murray

I’m Kiritapu Murray, a health and community leader with over 30 years of experience working across education, healthcare, and social services. My passion lies in Indigenous health equity and well-being, and I’m deeply committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi to ensure culturally safe, equitable outcomes – especially for disabled people and marginalised communities.

I descend from Kāi Tahu, Mamoe, Waitaha, and Rapuwai, and my guiding philosophy is “Ko te whatumanawa he Māori, he ngākau aroha – Aroha ki te tangata, tētahi ki te tahi”. This whānau-centred approach shapes my work, where I integrate psychodrama, family systems, and First Nations frameworks to support healing and connection.

I’ve held leadership roles including Māori Director at Te Puaruruhau, Starship Hospital, and have volunteered for nearly four decades in Māori education, sexual assault support, and ambulance services. I’ve developed culturally informed programmes, built support networks for disabled children and whānau, and championed cultural safety nationwide.

I hold a Master of Professional Practice (Distinction), a Diploma in Counselling, and I’m a psychodrama trainee. I’m a proud mother of five, stepmother to five, and the self-appointed president of my mokopuna’s fan club. My life’s work is driven by a simple goal: creating a world where all children can thrive.