Tu Chapman

Māori | Pōneke

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

About

I’m a survivor, equity advocate, and truth seeker with a deep commitment to justice, liberation, and mokopuna rights. I lead national efforts to advance intersex-led advocacy, peer support, and legislative change. I bring lived experience, strategic leadership, and unrelenting focus to work that challenges systemic harm - especially within health, state care, and justice systems. My background spans public service, Crown advisory, and community leadership, including roles as a ministerial appointee on national working groups focused on social justice, survivor redress, and human rights. I work at the intersections of Indigeneity, gender, and survivorship - always grounded in kaupapa Māori values and a vision for collective liberation. Whether in the boardroom, on the paepae, or in Parliament - I speak truth to power and make space for those who’ve been silenced.

Experience

  • Tumu Whakahāere at Rangitāmiro Whānau Ora
    Sep 2025 - May 2026 · 9 mos

    Lead the strategic outcomes, commissioning, communications and data portfolios.

  • Chairperson at Intersex Aotearoa
    Apr 2022 - Oct 2025 · 3 yrs 7 mos

  • Te Roro at Ināia Tonu Nei
    Aug 2023 - Aug 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Board Member - Survivor Experiences Service at Department of Internal Affairs (NZ)
    Sep 2023 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Abuse in Care Inquiry New Zealand (5 yrs)
    • Survivor Advisory Group Expert (SAGE)
      Oct 2021 - Jul 2024 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    • Senior Advisor to the Chair
      Mar 2021 - Sep 2021 · 7 mos

    • Advisor to the Chair/Deputy Registrar - Public Hearings
      Aug 2019 - Mar 2021 · 1 yr 8 mos