Member Spotlight: Sonya Smith – Championing Collective Strength

Introducing Sonya Smith – a passionate advocate for Māori rural health with more than three decades of experience across community development, rural hospital leadership, and now, through her own health consultancy, Hikanui Hauora.

“Ko Takitimu tōku waka, ko Moumoukai tōku maunga, ko Nūhaka tōku awa, ko Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa o nga Iwi, noreira, ko Sonya Smith tōku ingoa, tena koutou katoa.”

Sonya has been a dedicated registered nurse for 36 years, with deep roots in her community and a heart for change in rural health. Her decision to join the Hauora Taiwhenua network was driven by the sense of connection and advocacy the network provides:

“The network has always provided a supportive environment and a voice from parts of Aotearoa that are often the smallest and most marginalised”, says Sonya.

Sonya sees now as a pivotal moment for rural health in Aotearoa. After years of systemic neglect and policy decisions that once sought to close rural hospitals, she believes rural health is finally being acknowledged for its unique strengths.

“In my 36 years involved in health, the poles have swung. We often haven’t wanted to draw attention to ourselves—being typical country folk. ‘Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka’—the kumara doesn’t talk about its own sweetness. But now, we can showcase ourselves through this network and show value as part of the complex woven fabric of all health services.”

This, Sonya says, is a move away from siloed, cost-driven systems and toward holistic, community-reflective care that values rural ingenuity and collaboration.

One initiative that inspires Sonya deeply is the transformation of Te Puna Wai, the reopening of the primary birthing unit at Te Puia Springs Hospital, operated by Ngāti Porou Oranga.

“It’s a true rags-to-riches story. Eighteen months ago, they had one overworked midwife, a rundown building with a failing roof, no ministerial support, and a flawed funding model. Today, they’ve developed a kaupapa Māori caseloading midwifery model, attracted three midwives, and completed a full retrofit—all thanks to their Iwi’s determination and philanthropic support.”

At a time when many rural birthing units are closing, Sonya describes this achievement as a powerful example of tino rangatiratanga in action.

“That’s iwi-based hauora leadership, despite the national trend and staffing challenges. It shows what’s possible when community, culture, and vision come together.”

Read more about Te Puna Wai here

Sonya encourages others across the rural health sector to connect, collaborate, and speak proudly about their mahi.

“Now is the time to tell our stories and be proud of the mahi you do. Our interconnectedness is our strength—so keep sharing, or reach out when unsure. Use this network or call the provider or person who resonates with you. Aotearoa is too small not to share the learnings—and there’s enough work to do that none of us should have to do it alone.”

You can connect with Sonya directly at sonyas@hikanui.org.nz or on 021 523 284.