Maranga Mai: Positive Disruptors

In this episode we speak with Professor Yvette Roe - a Njikena Jawuru woman, from the West Kimberley, Australia and Director of the Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights at Charles Darwin University.

Yvette has led research across maternal and infant health, rural and remote health, and health service delivery, helping ensure research is grounded in the priorities of First Nations communities.

With more than 25 years of experience, Yvette’s work focuses on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through research, workforce development and self-determined approaches to care.

Tune in for Yvette’s inspiring insights for effective health system redesign, and the importance of storytelling in activism.

For more information about Professor Roe, the Molly Wardaguga Institute’s research, Birthing on Country, and the ‘Djäkamirr’ documentary mentioned in this episode, visit https://linkin.bio/mollywardaguga

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Host: Francesca Storey (Te Tātai Hauora o Hine)

Producer: Rata Campbell (Purpose PR Ltd)

Music: ‘Kawai’ by AJA (Wairere Ropata/Meetinghouse Records)

Toi Māori: Vianney Parata (Toi Parata)

© 2026 Te Tātai Hauora o Hine | National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa.

In this episode, Vianney Parata shares her journey into becoming a multidisciplinary toi Māori (arts) practitioner. Under the tutelage and with support of other mana wāhine immersed in the toi Māori world, Vianney now gives back and continues to explore the cultural significance, personal healing, and community impact of these art forms. Discover how her experiences and collaborations are shaping her life's path, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Māori arts and culture, while also playing a vital role in community-led health research projects supporting women, families and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more on Vianney and her portfolio visit https://toiparata.com/

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Host: Dr Kendall Stevenson (Te Tātai Hauora o Hine)

Producer: Rata Campbell (Purpose PR Ltd)

Music: ‘Kawai’ by AJA (Wairere Ropata/Meetinghouse Records)

Toi Māori: Vianney Parata (Toi Parata)

© 2026 Te Tātai Hauora o Hine | National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa.

In this episode we speak with Yardhura Walani | Australian National University indigenous researcher and epidemiologist, Professor Lisa Whop (Gumulgal, Wagadagam). A self-described ‘rogue researcher’ and proud black fella, Lisa is Australia’s leading authority on cervical cancer control for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

With the mantra "No Elimination Without Us” she is central to Australia’s drive to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, and to our efforts here in Aotearoa for elimination by 2038. Lisa shares her expertise freely to support health equity for all, championing community-led initiatives and cancer prevention strategies. Join us for Lisa’s uplifting kōrero.

For more on Lisa check out https://yardhurawalani.com.au/lisa-whop/

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Host: Dr Kendall Stevenson (Te Tātai Hauora o Hine)

Producer: Rata Campbell (Purpose PR Ltd)

Music: ‘Kawai’ by AJA (Wairere Ropata/Meetinghouse Records)

Toi Māori: Vianney Parata (Toi Parata)

© 2026 Te Tātai Hauora o Hine | National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa.

In our first episode we’re honoured to korero with Te Tai Tokerau midwife, nurse, and community health leader, Koha Aperahama (Ngāti Hine, Ngapuhi). Koha is renowned for her mātauranga Māori-led practices to uplift wāhine, wāhine hapū, pēpi and whānau health and wellbeing.

Koha gifted the name Te Ara Waiora to our cervical cancer screening trial, proving the HPV self-test is far more acceptable to wāhine Māori as a primary screening tool.
Discussions in this episode are in te reo Māori and English. Nau mai, haere mae, Maranga Mai!

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Host: Dr Kendall Stevenson (Te Tātai Hauora o Hine)
Producer: Rata Campbell (Purpose PR Ltd)
Music: ‘Kawai’ by AJA (Wairere Ropata/Meetinghouse Records)
Toi Māori: Vianney Parata (Toi Parata)
© 2026 Te Tātai Hauora o Hine | National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa.

Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to Maranga Mai: Positive Disruptors, where we hold space with mana wāhine leading Māori and Indigenous women's health and wellbeing through research, community health, clinical practice, the arts, and more.

Join us for Episode 1 launching this Saturday 4 July, 2026 to mihi some amazing women from across Aotearoa New Zealand and the globe, disrupting systems for the greater good through their everyday practice.

Hosted by Dr Kendall Stevenson and Francesca Storey of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine | National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa.

Music credit: 'Kāwai' by AJA (Wairere Ropata/Meetinghouse Records).

Ringa toi (Māori arts) credit: Vianney Parata.

Podcast producer: Rata Campbell (Purpose PR Ltd).