Phyllis Tangitu

Phyllis (Ngāti Pikiao/Ngāti Ranginui/Ngāti Awa) brings a wealth of experience to Emerge Aotearoa from her many years of working in the health sector.

Her mahi has included managing the first ever kaupapa health service in the Lakes District and leading the creation of the kaupapa community mental health and addictions service in Rotorua.

Since 2000, Phyllis has worked as the Lakes District Health Board General Manager Māori Health and Pou Manukura. She is a director and member of several national and regional committees, including the Mental Health Review Tribunal of New Zealand where she has served as a ministerial appointment for 24 years. Phyllis is also part of a national governance group for leading suicide prevention for Māori and Pacific people. 

She co-chairs Te Huinga o Ngā Pou Hauora (Midland Māori Mental Health and Addictions forum); is a current member of the Māori Advisory Committee for the development of the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan; and was a member of Tumu Whakarae (National Reference Group of Maori Health Strategy Managers within DHBs).

Phyllis continues to support the Ministry of Health, Te Aka Whaiora and Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. She has been trained in facilitation, supervision, and mentoring, and is passionate about iwi development.