Bio:

Ko Pūtauaki te maunga

Ko Rangitaiki te awa

Ko Mātaatua te waka

Ko Ngāti Awa te iwi

Ko Te Patuwai te hapu

Ko Tamatea kitehuatahi te marae

Ko Dean Cowles toku ingoa

Ko taku tūranga mahi ki Southern Cross Healthcare

Ko te Māori Nurse Advisor

Dean Cowles has a clinical background in education, theatre, PACU, and public health across both public and private sectors. He champions Hauora Māori through collaborative leadership and governance roles, including as a Board Member of the College of Nurses Aotearoa and Co-Chair of AUT’s Kawa Whakaruruhau committee. Dean’s Master’s research explored improving Māori health outcomes in private surgical settings through valuing Māori nurses. His work spans Tiriti-based practice, cultural safety, and health equity, and he leads national initiatives, research, and virtual education to support practitioners working with Māori and other marginalised communities across Aotearoa.

Nā te hono nei

I honoa ai ēnei waka

Mā te hono tonu

E rewa tahi atu ai

His topics include:

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Healthcare
• Inequities in Māori Health: An analysis
• Cultural awareness and safety