Dr Carrie Clifford, Leading with Impact
Dr Carrie Clifford has been with Ora Toa Mauriora for the past two years, working as one of three Clinical Psychologists in the team. With whakapapa to Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Kāi Tahu, Carrie has been a huge asset to our Primary Mental Health team, bringing not only her clinical expertise but also a deep commitment to kaupapa Māori approaches.
Carrie was recognised as one of Te Rau Ora’s 100 Māori Health Leaders, is a Fulbright-Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Award recipient, and has contributed to numerous publications in the mental health space.
Most recently, Carrie was appointed as the Tūmuaki of the newly established Māori Psychology Association, the first of its kind, similar to the Māori Dental Association and other professional bodies. This is a significant milestone for the psychology profession. The roopu was initiated with support from Professor Waikaremoana Waitoki, who has mentored Carrie and encouraged her to take on governance roles. With a growing number of young Māori psychologists engaging in this space, Carrie’s leadership is helping to shape and guide the next generation.
Carrie says she loves the working environment at Ora Toa Mauriora. She feels fortunate to work alongside a talented team of kaimahi, deeply committed to community wellbeing. While the team is relatively young, they are grounded by experienced professionals who contribute part-time and help shape a supportive, collaborative space. She values being part of an iwi organisation that offers true wraparound support, saying the Mauriora model of care gives whānau access to a wider network of services, from clinical care to kai parcels when needed.
"For whānau facing mental health challenges and also struggling to put food on the table, being able to help in both spaces is powerful," she says. "It eases financial stress and supports their overall wellbeing. That’s crucial to our approach to care."
Carrie is also passionate about contributing at the governance level. With her frontline experience, she brings valuable insight to the table and continues to advocate for improved access to services, especially given the shortage of Māori mental health practitioners across the motu.
As the Ora Toa Mauriora mental health team grows, Carrie is excited by the opportunity to innovate and expand their capacity to support whānau in meaningful and sustainable ways.
We are so grateful to have you with us, Carrie and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things ahead for you.