He Tangata Dr Hana Royal

Ngāi Tahu – Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Ngāti Raukawa

Dr Hana Royal spent much of her childhood growing up in Tuahiwi before heading to university in Auckland where she studied medicine. After graduating she worked for a time in Auckland hospitals as a surgical registrar before deciding to become a general practitioner. Hana recently moved back to Ōtautahi to be closer to whānau and is currently working between two medical practices in the city.

What constitutes a good day?
Waking up early with good coffee and taking my dog for a quick walk. At work hopefully my patients aren’t too challenging and I don’t fall too far behind!
On the weekend it’s a good day if I manage to spend time in my garden or visit my parents for a home cooked meal.

One thing you could not live without?
My dog Ralph.

Who or what inspires you and why?
The wāhine in my life – my mum and aunties. I was lucky enough to grow up around really strong female role models who are leaders both in and out of te ao Māori.

Highlight in the last year and why?
Passing my GP exams because it was a huge relief and a goal I had worked really hard for.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Probably my wardrobe.

Favourite way to chill out? Favourite place?
At home in the sun reading a good book or taking Ralph to the dog park.

Dance or wallflower?
Definitely dance, minus any actual talent however…

What food could you not live without?
It’s a toss-up between sushi and whitebait.

What meal do you cook the most?
Boiled egg with toast soldiers or anything with salmon.

Greatest achievement?
Getting accepted into medical school way back in 2009 because it’s something I had wanted since I was 13 years old.

Do you have an aspiration for Ngāi Tahu to achieve by 2025?
Seeing more young Ngāi Tahu in medicine particularly in general practice in Christchurch. There are significant health disparities across all domains between Māori and non-Māori in this country and having more Māori representation in the health workforce is one way to combat this. The health space is an area I believe Ngāi Tahu could have a larger presence in.