We are delighted to announce that Associate Professor Bevan Erueti has joined the CAPHIA Board of Directors as Māori Health Director, bringing distinguished Indigenous academic leadership to our governance and strategic direction.

A Leader Grounded in Mātauranga Māori

Dr. Erueti is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean Māori in Te Kura Hauora Tāngata/College of Health at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa/Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand. As a Māori academic, he unapologetically centres Māori perspectives, belief systems, and values across all aspects of his work, from teaching and research to academic citizenship.
His leadership is defined by the promotion and encouragement of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and the provisions of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). In his role as Associate Dean Māori for the College of Health, Dr. Erueti has been instrumental in advancing Massey University’s Te Tiriti-led strategy, working in collaboration with the Deputy Vice Chancellor Māori and his office to transform health education at the institutional level.

Transforming Health Education Through Indigenous Leadership

Dr. Erueti has enhanced research excellence and shaped teaching and learning across Massey University to improve Māori learner success through his numerous leadership roles on nine committees and working groups. His involvement in the Kaiarahi Tiriti Project exemplifies his commitment to systemic change, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge systems are fundamental to how health education is conceived and delivered.
A Commitment to Social Justice and Community Vibrance
Dr. Erueti’s leadership philosophy centres on social justice across health, sport, and education contexts. His work aims to build vibrant Māori communities that are respected and valued, while supporting non-Māori to better engage with Māori communities. This dual focus—strengthening Indigenous communities while building cross-cultural understanding—reflects the transformative leadership CAPHIA needs.

Why This Appointment Matters

Dr. Erueti’s appointment as Māori Health Director is pivotal for CAPHIA’s mission of inclusive and impactful public health education. His role will ensure that Māori voices, knowledge systems, and health priorities are represented in CAPHIA’s governance, strategy, and advocacy efforts. This leadership appointment aligns perfectly with CAPHIA’s commitment to centering Indigenous voices and actively challenging power in public health education, research, and workforce development. The CAPHIA 2025-2027 Strategic Plan embeds equity, decolonisation, and cultural safety as fundamental principles, ensuring that Māori perspectives drive meaningful change in public health curricula, pedagogy, and research.

Looking Forward

Dr. Erueti brings leadership skills developed through years of experience across multiple contexts. His approach and committed to social justice will help CAPHIA navigate the complex challenges of decolonising public health education while building more inclusive and effective approaches to health workforce development.

Welcome Bevan! We are thrilled for you to join the team and look forward to the transformative leadership you will bring to CAPHIA’s mission.