08/06/2026
Thank you Janice, for all your hard work. Well deserved recognition.
We are so proud to celebrate Janice Kuka, co-chair of the Board for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation and Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa, who has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Māori health.
For decades, Janice (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) has advocated for Māori-led healthcare in the spaces where healthcare, community and culture meet. Her involvement in the Kōhanga Reo movement and her work as a social worker at Tauranga Hospital contributed to the establishment of Kaupapa Māori services there in 1989, leading to the creation of Māori nursing wards and mental health services.
Janice has been a member of our Board for over 20 years. We're honoured to have Janice's leadership and wisdom guiding our mahi.
Tēnā rawa atu koe, Janice 🩵❤️