Inaugural Rhoena Davis Wāhine Rangatira Award Honours Rural Health Leader Tania Chamberlain

Tania Chamberlain (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua), Chief Operations Officer of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Trust in Tararua, has been named the first recipient of the Rhoena Davis Wāhine Rangatira Women in Rural Health Leadership Award, presented at the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference.

As the inaugural recipient, Tania is recognised for her transformative leadership in rural health, her unwavering commitment to hauora equity, and her deep connection to the communities she serves.

The award honours the legacy of the late Rhoena Davis, a tireless advocate for Māori health and rural communities. It recognises wāhine who embody leadership grounded in kaupapa Māori values — kotahitanga, manaakitanga, and rangatiratanga — and who are shaping a more equitable future for health in Aotearoa.

With more than 30 years in the health sector, Tania has led across primary care, hospice, aged residential care, and iwi-led service delivery. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience and a clear purpose: to challenge inequity and ensure whānau have access to care that is culturally safe, responsive, and designed with them in mind.

Under her leadership, Te Kahu Hauora was established as an iwi-led, whānau-centred medical service in the Tararua region — integrating clinical care with outreach, mental health support, and community services to better meet the needs of rural communities.

Dr Fiona Bolden, Hauora Taiwhenua Chairperson, said Tania’s leadership reflects the intent of the award. “Tania leads with both strength and humility. Her work is deeply grounded in kaupapa Māori and driven by a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for whānau. She is exactly the kind of leader this award was created to recognise.”

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Working in a rural setting, Tania has strengthened health systems while ensuring they remain connected to community. She has led through significant health reform, advocating for models of care that reflect rural realities and prioritise equity, access, and sustainability.

Her impact is felt not only in the services she leads, but in the people she supports. A trusted mentor and leader, Tania is committed to growing the next generation of wāhine and Māori leaders — ensuring their voices are heard and their leadership is realised.

“Tania embodies the legacy of Rhoena Davis — lifting others, strengthening communities, and leading with integrity and purpose. Her contribution to rural health is profound, and this recognition is richly deserved,” Fiona said.

Hauora Taiwhenua Award Recipients 2026:

Peter Snow Memorial Award: Dr Peter Freeman
Rhoena Davis Wāhine Rangatira Women in Rural Health Leadership Award: Tania Chamberlain
Te Waka Kotahitanga: Julia Jones
Hauora Taiwhenua Emerging Rural Educator Award: Dr Katelyn Costello
Hauora Taiwhenua Emerging Rural Researcher Award: Dr Stephen Ram

About the award
The Rhoena Davis Wāhine Rangatira Women in Rural Health Leadership Award was established in 2026 to honour the life and legacy of Rhoena Davis, an inspirational leader in Māori health. The award recognises wāhine who have made significant contributions to rural health, demonstrated outstanding leadership, and advanced equity for whānau and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. It celebrates leadership grounded in kaupapa Māori values, including kotahitanga (unity), manaakitanga (care and respect), and rangatiratanga (self-determination).

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