MRINZ Deputy Director Matire Harwood Made Companion of the King’s Service Order
The MRINZ celebrates the achievements of our Deputy Director Associate Professor Matire Harwood (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Rangi ki Moerewa), who has recently been made a Companion of the King’s Service Order. Matire, MRINZ Māori & Pacific Peoples’ Health programme lead, deputy dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Auckland University, and a primary care GP at Papakura Marae, has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to medical research and community health.
With research interests spanning asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, and an extensive publication record, Associate Professor Harwood has significantly impacted these fields. Matire’s dedication and expertise have been especially evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she provided critical advice to the government and delivered essential clinical care in South Auckland.
Associate Professor Harwood expressed her surprise and gratitude at being nominated for this prestigious award. “I spoke with my whānau and hoamahi about it and they all said ‘about time!’ So accepting this also recognises whānau who have to share me with my mahi, and all the Māori community health workers who spend a lot of time outside paid work advocating, delivering, and caring, which is often unrecognised. This is as much for all of them as it is for me.”
Associate Professor Harwoodcareer is deeply influenced by her family and ancestors. “I love making my kids and whānau proud, including my tupuna who told me to do medicine when I was a seven-year-old,” she said.
Matire’s is particularly proud of her work that is Māori-led but improves the health and well-being of all people. “Māori and our solutions have much to offer everybody. Some examples include our work in stroke, smoking cessation, and workforce development. I strongly believe that if we get it right for Māori, everyone benefits.”
Despite the challenges of her demanding work, Matire remains focused on creating an environment where Māori can flourish and inspires others to contribute to improving the well-being of Māori communities. “At a societal level, we face huge and complex challenges, yet our responses are often superficial and fail to address the root causes. I try my best to keep my eyes on the wider determinants but also address the acute issues in front of me.”
Associate Professor Harwood’s recognition as a Companion of the King’s Service Order is a testament to her tireless work and dedication to improving health outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders. The MRINZ congratulates Matire on this well-deserved honour and champions her continued contributions to medical science and community health.
