Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Nadine Gray (Te Whakatōhea) as Chief Nursing Officer. In this specialist advisory role, Nadine will provide a broad range of clinical advice and support across Te Aka Whai Ora.

A registered comprehensive nurse of more than 20 years, Nadine brings a wealth of experience in adult emergency nursing, nursing education, Māori Health strategy and Māori nursing workforce development to her new role. Most recently Nadine served as Clinical Chief Advisor Nursing at Manatū Hauora and Principal Advisor Nursing at Te Aka Whai Ora, where she was responsible for co-leading nursing workforce development in partnership with Te Whatu Ora. 

Te Aka Whai Ora Chief Executive, Riana Manuel, says Nadine’s extensive experience and leadership in nursing workforce development and Māori Health strategy will make her an excellent fit for the role.

“As a champion for nursing and a strong advocate for Māori health, Nadine will play a key role in shaping the future of nursing practice in Aotearoa,” says Riana.

“This appointment really demonstrates our commitment to promoting a workforce that is skilled, responsive and culturally attuned to the needs of Māori. We look forward to seeing her contribution towards growing the capacity and capability of advanced nursing practice”

Nadine, who hails from the coastal town of Ōpōtiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, grew up amongst a whānau of nurses and teachers, including her mother who was the first Māori Nurse Practitioner in Aotearoa, Janet Maloney-Moni. 

“It’s an honour to be appointed and I look forward to working collaboratively – not just in providing clinical advice but also contributing to the transformation and spread of Te Ao Māori clinical practice solutions,” says Nadine. 

Nadine Gray starts her appointment on 9 March 2023.