Samantha La-Hood

Sam La Hood is a passionate advocate and governance leader with a strong personal connection to the rare disorder community. She brings lived experience as a parent navigating the health system, alongside a professional background in education, policy, and board leadership. Sam is deeply committed to ensuring the voices of people with rare disorders—especially Māori whānau—are heard, valued, and reflected in the systems that serve them. Through her role with Rare Disorders NZ, she works to create more equitable and inclusive outcomes for all.