Glynis Sandland (Ngāpuhi / Ngāti Hine) is Chief Executive of Whakarongorau Aotearoa, which delivers over 30 free-to-public telehealth services across mental health, sexual harm, family violence, general and population health. With a background in leading complex organisations across government and the corporate sector, Glynis brings deep operational expertise and a strong values-based approach to leadership.

Her lived experience — including supporting whānau through mental health challenges and suicide loss — grounds her commitment to equity and innovation. Under her leadership, Whakarongorau supported over 80,000 people in 2025 alone, with a social ROI that includes preventing over 150 lives annually.

Glynis is presenting at eMHIC to share Whakarongorau’s pioneering work in digital mental health, including the AI Concierge Triage and Navigation Platform — a culturally informed, multi-channel solution that connects people to timely, empathetic care. Her indigenous perspective and passion for dismantling the isolating effects of colonisation on Māori and Pacific peoples shape her vision for inclusive, accessible mental health services.

The cultural diversity and spirit of the organisation is embedded in its name. Whakarongorau is an ancient Māori word meaning ‘to listen with great intent and purpose’. Glynis and her team live daily by this philosophy as they lead e-health transformation in Aotearoa.