//061 Darna Appleyard

Darna Appleyard (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Whakatōhea, Scottish) spent much of her childhood in Tasmania. It was there across the ditch she learnt first hand about some of the hardest things she’d have to face in her life, from racism and inequality, to family suicide.

This self-described ‘equity challenger’ works to disrupt the distribution and programming of health resources to achieve health equity for Māori.

In this episode we talk about her childhood and the time whaea Eva Rickard knocked on their front door, Darna shares her passion for Māori health outcomes and the innovative solutions they need to be achieved and, she talks openly about losing a father and brother to suicide.

As per all NUKU kōrero, we do not shy away from the hard topics in this episode, so please be kind to yourself when you listen, and take breaks where you need.