Helena Rattray-Te Mana
Kaipūtaiao Social Scientist
Helena joined the social systems team in early 2021, following nine years as a community facing kaupapa Māori researcher, working alongside key Māori and Native American academics and passionate advocates, contributing to the emerging field of Māori historical and intergenerational trauma and healing, as well as anti-racism advocacy. Helena also has a special interest in de-incarceration and wellbeing of Māori and associated (in)equities, which are reflected in her master’s thesis and upcoming PhD through Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Helena has a varied background, with an early career in transport and information technology. She finds research through social systems brings two of her favourite worlds together – people and systems. Helena is solution driven and strives for Māori health and wellbeing excellence.
Helena has a strong desire to transform her world. She coordinates whānau flourishing aspirations, and is active on two Ngā Rauru whānau land trusts.
Current projects include:
- Iwi ora: Restoring Iwi health and wellbeing knowledge
- Pou Kōrero: Speaking for our ancestors
- Contemporary justice issues for wāhine Māori
- Transformative approach to justice
Helena’s recent publications can be found on Research Gate here (external link)(external link)