About Us

Manawa Kōkopu is a Waikato based consultancy offering comprehensive and tailored services, with a focus on designing success as defined and measured by our clients. We specialise in providing innovative solutions to support individuals, organisations, and collectives to develop and reach their full potential.

Megan Tahere

Director | Manawa Kōkopu

Megan is of Te Whānau-ā-Āpanui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Raukawa, Ngāti Whātua, and Ngāpuhi iwi and resides in Onewhero, Aotearoa New Zealand. She is most proud of her whānau, and having five tamariki and eight mokopuna brings her immense joy.

She has broad experience in the public sector, having held executive and senior leadership roles across the country in the areas of maternity, planning and funding, and Māori health, and having worked in tertiary education. Most recently, Megan was the national General Manager, Kahu Taurima | Maternity and Early Years in Te Aka Whai Ora | Māori Health Authority, and prior to this was part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Transition Unit for the health reforms as a Hauora Māori Advisor.

Her clinical background as a Registered Midwife working in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings is strengthened by her maintenance of a current annual practising certificate. Megan is currently completing a PhD in Public Health through Massey University which is grounded in kaupapa Māori with a focus on cultural competency in the scholarship of teaching and learning. 

Superpower Summary:

  • Highly skilled and outcome driven organisational leader, with proven experience leading, driving, and influencing public sector improvement, performance, and accountability. Skilled across:
    • Strategic Planning
    • Change Leadership
    • Delivery and Operations Management
    • Programme and Project Leadership
    • Financial Management
    • Continuous Improvement and Risk Mitigation
  • In-depth knowledge of the machinery of government, including current public sector and health system planning and performance.
  • Excellent financial competencies and experienced managing substantial budgets as well as analysing and reporting on financial outcomes to Ministers, government entities, and boards.
  • Ability to critically analyse and apply evidence-based research.
  • Engaged and positive communications style that builds sustainable, resilient, and genuine connections.
  • Skilled project management specialist with a proven track record delivering significant programmes and projects within challenging deadlines and strict budgets. Experienced using various project management methodologies including Prince2, Lean, and Hoshin Kanri.
  • Sound knowledge and skill underpinning Tiriti o Waitangi based and dynamic practice, and the meaningful expression of cultural and tikanga competency.
  • Consultative, values based, and innovative leader, with a proven quality and continuous improvement mind set. Focused on mentoring and coaching team members to improve wellbeing and performance.
  • Challenges traditional approaches and thinks creatively, successfully implementing new systems and producing innovative solutions.