Professor David Tipene-Leach, of Ngāti Kahungunu descent is renowned for his achievements in the field of SUDI Prevention and Māori primary health care. He previously lectured at the University of Auckland where he established the academic teaching of Māori health and began the Maori SIDS Prevention team. Professor Tipene-Leach developed a research base in SIDS/SUDI prevention over the years and, in collaboration with weavers and midwives, founded the 'wahakura movement', where the use of a flax bassinet tool in a shared bed was promoted as an intervention for SUDI. He has severed on a number of Advisory Committees and Health Boards and was the founding Chairman of Te Ora, the Māori Medical Practitioners Association. Professor Tipene- Leach is currently working at EIT, coordinating research projects in line with local and post-settlement interests as well as teaching postgraduate students in Māori Health.