“It felt like I had got to the top of the ladder then realised I wanted to be on the ladder on the other side of the wall.” It was this feeling that prompted Matiu Julian to switch from working in education management to health services management at Tui Ora, a Māori health development organisation.

“I had an extensive background in the education sector – I worked my way from primary school teaching to senior management in a polytechnic. But I needed another challenge, and health was a natural area for me to move into.”

Matiu feels he's now in his element, with his work more in line with his beliefs and values. “It’s probably more in tune with who I am in terms of my philosophy of health and fitness, and looking after people and helping them keep well."

A wealth of experience building relationships in the education sector helped Matiu fit into his current role.

“I look after the relationships our organisation has with an array of Māori health providers, including mental health, nursing and health promotion services. The aim is that they have enough trust in me that we can talk about business issues.”

Matiu also liaises with doctors, planners, and Ministry of Health staff, as well as organisations that support people in the community. He's often asked to attend meetings with the district council to talk about strategic planning – to give a perspective on the future of Māori health.

"There are challenges in trying to get different groups of people working together, but it's rewarding to know that I'm adding value to people's lives by working towards a health system that is set up in such a way that it can best meet the needs of the people."

Matiu Julian is of Ngāti Tumango and Ngāti Tū Poho descent, and closely connected to Ngā Ruahine and Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga.