Representative for Puketeraki

Emma Wyeth

Emma was raised in Karitāne, one of her papakāika, and in Ōtautahi. Emma is a descendant of the Parata, Ellison and Taiaroa whānau and has strong whakapapa connections, and involvement with, Puketeraki, Ōtākou and Awarua. She is Kāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Mutunga. Emma studied at the University of Otago between 1999-2007, gaining a BSc(Hons) and PhD, both majoring in genetics. As an academic, she has spent the last 20 years researching and teaching hauora Māori at both the University of Otago, and more recently at the University of Canterbury where she is a Professor of Māori Health in the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre.

Emma was appointed the Alternate Representative for Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki from 2022-2025, before being appointed Representative in July 2025. Emma holds a number of governance roles including as the Deputy Chair of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Tauraki Ltd, and WellSouth Primary Health Network. She lives in Dunedin with her husband and three children.