Ārahi was founded in 2023 by Dr Hannah Rapata, a dietitian and kaupapa Māori health researcher who recognised a clear and growing need for specialist Māori health research consultation. What began as a whānau business was rooted from the start in a shared commitment to advancing Māori health. Hannah's husband, Dr Micah Rapata, an Ophthalmology registrar, joined forces with her early on to support colleagues and organisations through research consultation and professional development.
In 2025, Ārahi grew with the addition of Dr Summer Rangimaarie Wright. Hannah and Summer's friendship stretches back to their university days and their shared passion for public health nutrition and Māori health research makes them a natural fit. Summer brings deep expertise in kai sovereignty, food-climate policy, and health equity, strengthening what Ārahi is able to offer the communities and professionals it serves.
We are a small team with a big purpose. We look forward to working with you and welcoming you into the Ārahi whānau.
We lead with care. Every piece of research, every course, every engagement is shaped by genuine respect for the people and communities we serve.
We believe lasting change happens through connection — between knowledge and practice, between researchers and communities, between data and lived experience.
We are energised by purpose. The drive to see real, lasting change in Māori health outcomes shapes everything we do and how we do it.
Director & Consultant
BSc, MHSc, PhD, NZRD
(Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Rahiri Tumutmu)
Hannah is the director here at Ārahi and is a multi-disciplinary kaupapa Māori health researcher and primary care dietitian. Hannah's areas of research expertise include Māori food sovereignties, data sovereignty, cultural safety in dietetics, infant nutrition, and kaupapa Māori research methodologies. Hannah also has expertise in health and research policy analysis and design.
Consultant
BSc, PGDip, MHSc, PhD, NZRD
(Ngāti Maniapoto)
Dr Wright has expertise in Māori health, climate and environmental justice, food enterprise, and nutrition and dietetics. Dr Wright is based in Te Papaioea and is currently a Research Fellow exploring food-climate policy and kai sovereignty. Dr Wright also co-convenes a climate-health NGO and has experience in governance and policy advocacy for health equity and climate gains.
Consultant
BMedSci(hons), MBCHB
(Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi)
Micah is an Ophthalmology trainee registrar and Māori health researcher. He works full-time as a clinician while advancing his research expertise in Māori eye health. Micah is an advisor at Ārahi in medical and health science research.