Keynote speakers

Talei Jackson

Senior Lecturer in the new Master of Clinical Practice (Midwifery) Programme, University of Waikato

Read Talei's bio

Talei Jackson is a midwife, educator, and researcher, committed to strengthening the midwifery workforce and improving health outcomes in underserved communities. As a Senior Lecturer in the new Master of Clinical Practice (Midwifery) Programme at the University of Waikato, Talei is passionate about nurturing and empowering a new generation of midwives. She is a Doctoral Candidate, researching wellbeing and sustainability for Pacific Lead Maternity Care (LMC) midwives and their families, as part of a larger HRC project. As the current Co-Chair of Pasifika Midwives Aotearoa, Talei plays a vital role in advocating for and supporting Pacific midwives across Aotearoa.

Professor Suzanne Pitama

BA, MA (First Class Hons), PGDipEdPsych, PhD (Otago). NZSPsS.
Dean of the University of Otago Medical School

Read Suzanne's bio

Suzanne is the Dean of the University of Otago Medical School and a registered psychologist. A member of the New Zealand Psychological Society, she has spent over 20 years advancing Māori health research and health professional education. Her work has been instrumental in developing an Indigenous Health model that helps both Indigenous and non-Indigenous health professionals strengthen cultural competency and safety in their practice.

Suzanne’s contributions have been widely recognized. She has received the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for tertiary teaching excellence, as well as the Indigenous Leadership Award and Lifetime Award from the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME). Her research in Indigenous medical education earned her the prestigious Joan Metge Medal, and she was also honored with the Dame Marie Clay Award for her impact on educational and developmental psychology.

Passionate about equitable healthcare and transformative education, Suzanne continues to shape the future of medical training and Indigenous health advancement in Aotearoa.

Keynote presentation overview

Title: Bringing the Meihana Model to Life: Transforming Nursing Practice for Māori Health Equity

The Meihana Model (2007, 2014, 2017) is more than a framework—it’s a powerful tool for change in Aotearoa’s healthcare landscape. But how does it truly come to life in nursing practice? This keynote will move beyond theory and dive into real-world application, exploring how the Meihana Model empowers nurses to embed cultural safety, equity, and whānau-centered care into their everyday work. Through practical examples, we’ll uncover how this model transforms practice, influences outcomes, and ultimately becomes second nature in nursing care. Whether you’re new to the model or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will inspire and equip you to make a meaningful difference in Māori health advancement.

Lorraine Hetaraka

Chief Nurse, Ministry of Health New Zealand

Read Lorraine's bio

Lorraine Hetaraka is the Chief Nurse at the Ministry of Health, Manatū Hauora, where she leads national nursing policy, provides expert advice to government, and champions professional leadership for nurses across Aotearoa New Zealand. With a career spanning over two decades, Lorraine is widely recognised for her commitment to advancing Nursing practice and driving equitable health outcomes for all communities.

Lorraine began her nursing career in 1997 as a RN in a dementia facility then secured the role as the first Māori new graduate at Tauranga Hospital. Her early experiences, shaped by her upbringing in a military family as well as witnessing health inequities within her whānau, and community inspired her lifelong dedication to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Her career trajectory includes significant leadership roles:

Chief Executive of Te Arawa Whānau Ora, working with governmental, and Community agencies to support a collective of Māori providers to deliver integrated health and social services for vulnerable populations within Te Arawa.
Primary Care Nursing Leadership, including quality and safety, workforce development and implementing models care. She has extensive experience having worked at the National Hauora Coalition, ProCare Health, and Homecare Medical (now Whakarongorau), where she developed improvement programmes, delivered Education and lead innovative programmes for whānau wellbeing.
Associate Director of Nursing at Auckland District Health Board and the University of Auckland, where she championed workforce development for Māori nurses and led the Nursing Entry to Practice Programme (Primary Healthcare), Post Graduate and undergraduate support programmes and rangatahi-focused health career programmes.

Lorraine holds a Master’s degree with first-class honours from the University of Auckland. Her thesis, He Ope Awhi, explored best practices for recruiting Māori new graduate nurses, leading to a successful pilot that saw the highest-ever employment of Māori graduates in primary care in Counties Manukau.
Throughout her career, Lorraine has demonstrated expertise in strategic leadership, policy, governance, and workforce planning. She is committed to supporting and empowering nursing leadership, with a focus on ensuring equitable, culturally safe care for all New Zealanders.
Lorraine is affiliated with Ngāti Kahu, Tapuika, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāiterangi, and Ngāti Ranginui. Her vision is to empower nurses to lead transformative action towards a healthier, more equitable future for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professor (Practice) Alison J McMillan PSM

Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Read Alison's bio

As the Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison leads, influences, and collaborates in the development and implementation of policy and programs relating to nursing and midwifery, health and aged care systems, and workforce.

Alison has been a Registered Nurse for more than 40 years, she has a Critical Care Nursing Certificate, a Bachelor Degree in Education, and a Master of Business Administration. Alison has held senior executive roles in government and health services within Victoria including the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Director of Quality, Safety and Patient Experience and Director of Health Emergency Management.

She has received a number of awards including a Public Service Medal in June 2021 for outstanding public service to driving the Government’s national health response priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a National Emergency Medal in recognition of service following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires and, in 2021, a Humanitarian Overseas Medal.

*More keynote speakers to be announced soon.