Pacific leaders with extensive experience, knowledge and community connections will enhance the implementation of Whānau Ora in Pacific communities.

A total of 10 Pacific community members have been appointed to three key Regional Leadership Groups (RLGs) to lead strategic change for whānau-centred initiatives in their regions.

Four collectives represent Pacific health and social service providers in the three regions.

The Minister for Whānau Ora, Hon Tariana Turia, says the RLGs are a local leadership vehicle which recognises that whānau transformation is best led by those who live, experience and participate in this practice on a daily basis.

“We know the journey and experiences of Pacific people and whānau in New Zealand are diverse and complex and involve multiple cultures, languages and kaupapa,” Mrs Turia says.

“We need this experience to assist us to understand how the Whānau Ora approach best works for Pacific whānau while staying true to their Pacific cultures – understanding that, in fact, there is no single way but a diversity of approaches is necessary.”

Mokalagi Tamapeau – a new Pacific member of Te Whanganui ā Tara RLG – says the appointees appreciate the philosophy of Whānau Ora and its application to Pacific families.

“We understand the need to provide – as much as possible – insights to the various ethnic specific frameworks for empowering our families.”

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU
(Auckland)

• Gayle Lafaiali’i (Samoan, Scottish)
• Dr Ofa Dewes (Rotuman, Tongan, Tuvaluan, Ngāti Porou)
• Fia T. Tupou (Samoan)
• Reverend ‘Inoke Masima (Tongan)

TE WHANGANUI Ā TARA
(Wellington/Tasman/Nelson)

 

• Mokalagi Tamapeau (Samoan, Niue)
• Debra Tuifao (Samoan)
• Tevita Hingano (Tongan)

TE WAIPOUNAMU
(South Island)

• Sam Uta’i (Samoan)
• Maria Godinet-Watts (Samoan, European)