In this first ever episode of Ao Mai Te Rā, Dr Hinemoa Elder has a kōrero with John Whaanga (Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Rongomaiwahine). John is currently the Deputy Director – General, Māori Health with the Ministry of Health. John originally joined the Ministry of Health in 1993, as a foundation member of the then newly-established Māori Health Directorate, Te Kete Hauora. John then spent six years working in the Ministry, culminating in management roles in both public health and Māori health (as Manager, Te Kete Hauora). He has held a number of roles within various government agencies and undertaken a number of significant roles in tertiary education