Spotlight On: Himemoa Elder

Dr Hinemoa Elder is a former television presenter, respected author, and distinguished forensic psychiatrist whose career bridges media, medicine, and Māori wellbeing. A passionate advocate for mental health and indigenous knowledge systems, she has combined her expertise in psychiatry with a deep commitment to weaving Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into her work.

As an author, Dr Elder has written acclaimed books exploring resilience, healing, and the wisdom found within Māori traditions, making complex ideas accessible to diverse audiences. Her voice as a broadcaster has made her a familiar figure to many New Zealanders, while her clinical and academic contributions have had a lasting impact on the fields of psychiatry and community health.

Through her mahi, Dr Elder continues to champion the importance of cultural identity, mental wellness, and storytelling as powerful tools for personal and collective transformation.