Rebecca McCormick(she/her)

Kaiwhakahaere Mana Taurite - (Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)

"I love the kaupapa of my mahi and how it is supporting the bigger vision of better health outcomes for Māori"

A brief mihi about yourself

E rere taku manu ki te tihi o Aoraki 
Rere iho taku manu mā te awa o Waitaki
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Kai Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Kāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Moriori oku iwi
No Wharekauri ahau 
Ko Kaiārahi Matua ki te Tīma o Mana Taurite         
Ko Rebecca Murchie ahau

I was born on Wharekauri (Chatham Islands). I am from a whānau of five. I have an amazing partner Seumas and two pepi, Manaia 1 and Malcolm 3. I lead the new Equity and Diversity tīma at the Canterbury and Westcoast DHBs. Te tīma has a focus on increasing our Māori and Pasifika workforce to better reflect the community that we serve. Secondly to awhina our current kaimahi to be more culturally responsive, provide tools for their kete so our communities feel manaaki in our services.

Growing up what did you want to do for a job and did you ever see yourself working at Te Whatu Ora?

I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do for a job, but I knew I had two passions, my love for kai and love for people. I loved helping others out with whatever they were doing, although when I was younger I think I was more of a pain than a hand. That led me to study psychology at university and my interest in experimenting in the kitchen. 

What was your journey of getting to work at Te Whatu Ora?

My journey to date; I have a BA in psychology from UC. When I completed my studies Seumas and I went on an adventure that lasted 8 years. We were based in London where I worked for the NHS (National Health Service) as a project coordinator and then moved in to management. I worked with specialist psychiatrist, GPs and surgeons. During that time, I always knew that I was to return back to Aotearoa and work for my people. I worked for Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tahu leading the governance support tīma and then a senior advisor in the iwi capability tīma. That brings me to this fantastic role.  

What attracted you to work at Te Whatu Ora?

I was so excited about the establishment of the Māori Health Authority board to finally address Tino Rangatiratanga status outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Better Health outcomes for Māori was something that my taua Dr Erihapeti Rehu-Murchie advocated for in the 80/90s. I really wanted to follow in her footsteps and do my part. Although I am not patient focused or in the clinical space I knew that my passion and work experience could support this kaupapa.  In workforce development and cultural learning. 

What’s something you love about being part of Te Whatu Ora?

I love the kaupapa of my mahi and how it is supporting the bigger vision of better health outcomes for Māori. 

What do you love about living and working in Ōtautahi?

Being home with my whānau warms my heart. I have two pepi, Manaia and Malcolm. We live in Lincoln, which is 30mins from the city in the gorgeous countryside and I work in the city where I get to check out the cafes and new shops – the best of both worlds.

What advice do you have for someone contemplating a career at Te Whatu Ora?

I would absolutely recommend it is a great place to work. 

Back to Our Kaimahi