Simon Royal has dedicated over 30 years to the health sector, championing strong Māori leadership and Tino Rangatiratanga in health.

As a respected health sector leader and Chief Executive, he has worked with successive governments and senior ministers, including the late Dame Tariana Turia, to drive transformative change. A pioneering advocate for Whānau Ora, Mr. Royal (Simon) was an early contributor to its concept design, playing a key role in developing an innovative public policy approach to address health and social inequities. His leadership helped shape a substantial Whānau Ora business case, which was successfully adopted by government agencies and provider communities, setting a new direction for Māori health and wellbeing.

In addition, Mr. Royal (Simon) was actively involved in the early introduction of social investment as another forward-thinking strategy to improve health and social outcomes. His commitment to ensuring that Māori health policy and decision-making are led by mana whenua and Māori voices remains at the heart of his work with Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau, strengthening partnerships and leadership to create lasting change for whānau, hapū, and iwi.