PHANZ WELCOMES NEW COUNCIL MEMBER

The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Angelique Reweti to our Executive Council. Angelique brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing health equity and wellbeing for Māori communities. We warmly welcome her contributions to our mission of fostering health and wellbeing across Aotearoa.

Dr Reweti holds a Ph.D. and a Bachelor of Health Science (First Class Honours) and is proudly affiliated with Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, and Tainui. Her personal journey as a māmā to three young tamariki underscores her commitment to whānau, shaping her vision of collective empowerment and systemic change.

Angelique’s professional career centers on advocating for Māori health and wellbeing through transformative, strengths-based approaches. She is deeply passionate about shifting narratives surrounding Māori health, moving beyond deficit models to celebrate the resilience, mana, and inherent strengths of Māori communities. Her work focuses on creating environments that nurture whānau wellbeing and uplift hauora outcomes, with a firm belief that Indigenous solutions are vital to addressing systemic health inequities.

Currently a lecturer and researcher at Massey University, Angelique teaches and explores topics in Public Health, Health Promotion, and Hauora. Her research prioritises whānau-led and community-driven initiatives that enhance Māori health and sovereignty. By weaving mātauranga with contemporary health frameworks, Angelique develops culturally responsive, grounded strategies that empower Māori communities.

As the Māori Caucus Chair and one of five Māori representatives on the Executive Council, Dr Reweti is dedicated to ensuring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is upheld and that equitable, culturally responsive health policies and practices are prioritised. Her vision is a future where whānau, hapū, and iwi thrive in a society that honours tino rangatiratanga and celebrates Indigenous strengths.

“It is a privilege to welcome Angelique to the Council. Her extensive knowledge, unwavering dedication to Māori health, and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we continue our work to address systemic inequities and promote the wellbeing of all communities in Aotearoa,” said PHANZ CEO, Dr Cadence Kaumoana.

PHANZ looks forward to the invaluable contributions Dr Angelique Reweti will bring to the organisation as we collectively strive towards a healthier, more equitable future for all.