The Māori naming of services within the DHBs is a simple process, the request is made to Dame Naida as Chief Advisor-Tikanga, it is then approved by the Kaunihera Kaumatua and finally agreed by the CEO Waitemata DHB CEO Dr Dale Bramley.

Dame R.Naida Glavish DNZM. JP started work at the then Auckland Area Health Board as a Bicultural Manager in 1990. Her role today is the Chief Advisor Tikanga. General Manager, He Kamaka Waiora, Māori Health acrossWaitematā and Auckland District Health Boards.

The Chief Advisor Tikanga leads the organisation in managing relationships with mana whenua, and Mātā Waka. The role supports the management of the DHBs obligation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and provides cultural support to all staff which is available to patients and their whānau.

Naida has spent her whole adult life as an advocate for people. In May 1984 as a humble toll operator at Auckland City, Naida challenged the might of the then Post Office and won for us the right to use ‘Kia Ora’ across Te Ika a Maui and Te Waipounamu as a national greeting.