The RANZCP is honoured to announce that Mr Ron Baker has been appointed as a new Kaumātua for our organisation.

Mr Baker joins Ms Moe Milne, who has been in a Kaumātua role at the RANZCP since 2018. Kaumātua provide essential mātauranga (wisdom) and leadership within the College structure.

Mr Baker has had an extensive career in mental health, and he has been instrumental in the development of Māori mental health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

On 28 June, a mihi whakatau ceremony was held at the RANZCP New Zealand National Office in Wellington, to welcome Mr Baker to the role.

Mr Baker was delighted that his whānau and mokopuna were included as part of the mihi whakatau.

‘I am also greatly looking forward to this journey with the College, because the journey is about people,’ he said.

As a member of both Tu Te Akaaka Roa (the RANZCP’s New Zealand National Committee) and Te Kaunihera mo ngā kaupapa Hauora Hinengaro Māori (our Māori Health Committee), Mr Baker will provide invaluable support and guidance to the RANZCP’s mahi (work). 

Importantly, this will include our liaison with and advocacy to government and the new Māori Health Authority; our engagement in the development and implementation of a new Mental Health Act that will be based on kaupapa (values, ideas) Māori principles; and our development of a new cultural safety programme.

The RANZCP will benefit greatly from Mr Baker’s experience, wisdom and leadership. Ngā mihi maioha ki a koe, e te rangatira.

L to R: Dr Mark Lawrence, A/Prof Vinay Lakra, A/Prof Susanna Every-Palmer,

Mr Ron Baker, Dr Claire Patterson, Mr Andrew Peters