Eddie to showcase systems change and Māori leadership on the global stage

Eddie Edmonds, Healthy Families Hutt Valley Manager

Eddie Edmonds, Healthy Families Hutt Valley Manager has been selected by Collaborative Aotearoa to represent New Zealand on a study tour across Canada, London and Belgium to share and explore innovative health initiatives and collective impact strategies from a te ao Māori lens.

Eddie was chosen for his expertise in systems change and will be speaking and presenting at several conferences that will be discussing topics such as indigenous leadership, connected wellbeing for communities and collective action.

“That’s what excites me – I have the opportunity to share our insights from Aotearoa and talk about amazing Māori leaders on the global stage, many of whom have helped shaped the kind of leader I want to be for my community. I’m also excited to learn off other indigenous leaders about successful initiatives and strategies from around the world” says Eddie.

Healthy Families Hutt Valley is committed to working collaboratively with their community partners to improve health outcomes and make a positive impact in the community. This study tour is just one example of the ongoing efforts being made by organisations and communities to address the complex challenges facing equitable health today.

Amarjit Maxwell, Collaborative Aotearoa Chief Executive is eager for the study tour whānau to share the amazing mahi that has been undertaken by the team in Hutt Valley with our other communities and leaders across the globe.

Chair of Collaborative Aotearoa, Irihāpeti Mahuika is very excited about co-hosting and said, “I’m immensely proud that over 50% of our delegates are Māori, indigenous health, and community leaders from across Aotearoa, New Zealand. As well as learning from our global hosts, we also have a great deal of richness to share.” 

Eddie is excited for the opportunity to participate in the study tour and hopes to bring back valuable insights and knowledge that can be applied to the mahi that Healthy Families do.

“This tour is a great example of Pae Ora – Healthy futures for Māori. I believe it’s time to invest in Māori leadership so that Māori are visible driving change – we have to see our faces in these conferences, in these wānanga in these other countries connecting with our indigenous people. I’m excited and nervous but I have a great support system including my wife and son, Healthy Families NZ, Hutt City Council and Collaborative Aotearoa.”

Eddie departed on Wednesday 10 May. We look forward to hearing about his key findings on his return back. Haere pai atu, hoki ora mai Eddie!