Lynette Stewart, Te Tai Tokerau MAPO Trust

Abstract

In the early 1990s health services for Maori in Tai Tokerau (Northland) did not win the confidence of Maori people. In 1996 when Lynette Stewart was appointed to the position of CEO of the Te Tai Tokerau MAPO Trust (TTHT), she had a vision for greater Maori participation toward health imperatives. In describing her communication methods, Lynette Stewart stated: "We use modern technology to its fullest extent, but we also keep korero (dialogue) going in face-to-face meetings and ensure that protocols are correctly maintained." Stewart describes a strategy that enables an alliance to be created with Maori through an approach to leadership that encourages an inclusive model for the health sector