Leilani Maraku

Leilani Maraku is the Manukura (Chief Executive) of Mana o te Tangata Trust, delivering Kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction peer support services across Manawatū, Tararua, and Horowhenua. Passionate about system change, she ensures Māori wellbeing and the voices of tangata whaiora and whānau are central to shaping healthcare.

She has held national leadership roles as Innovations Director at Te Rau Ora and Pouwhakahaere for Te Kete Pounamu, and has led peer support and addiction services, including work in Manawatū Prison focused on empowering whaiora.

Leilani contributes to several national and regional rōpū, including Te Kete Pounamu and the Central Region Lived Experience Partnership and Leadership Rōpū. Guided by her moemoeā, she works to ensure whānau and tangata whaiora lead their journey toward mauri ora.