Dr Heather Came is a seventh generation Pākehā New Zealander, an activist scholar, and long-time Tiriti o Waitangi educator based in Te Awa Kairangi (Lower Hutt). Her work spans public health, antiracism, and institutional change, with a deep commitment to advancing equity, Tiriti and racial justice. She has been widely recognised for her contributions to Te Tiriti application and antiracism praxis including in 2022 being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Māori, education and health.

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Heather is a founding member of STIR: Stop Institutional Racism, a national network of activist scholars and health leaders committed to ending racism within the health sector. She has prepared expert evidence for Waitangi Tribunal claimants and has presented to United Nations human rights committees.

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With a background in public health and social justice, Heather has worked extensively community organisations, as well as with Crown agencies and within tertiary education. Her research and teaching interrogate systems of power, privilege and racism, while her consultancy, Heather Came & Associates, supports organisations to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embed equity in policy and practice.

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Heather is an award-winning teacher, sought after as a speaker, writer and commentator on equity and antiracism. She is motivated by the vision of a fairer, healthier Aotearoa grounded in recognition of Māori tino rangatiratanga.