Healthy Families Waitākere is reinforcing its commitment to serving the Pacific communities in west Auckland through the strategic appointment of two brilliant individuals. Ella Falakoa (pictured on left) is taking on the position of Pacific Strategic Lead, while Ruta Tonumaivao (pictured on the right) will transition into the role of Pacific Systems Innovator within the Healthy Families Waitākere team at Sport Waitākere.
As the Pacific Strategic Lead, Falakoa will seek out opportunities to amplify Pacific leadership across the sectors and systems that impact the health and wellbeing of Pacific people in west Auckland. Falakoa explains.
“Working towards equitable health outcomes means we have to make sustainable change. When it comes to Pacific communities, a key part of that lies with strengthening Pacific leadership.”
After spending the past 14 months as the Systems Innovator for Play & Physical Activity, Tonumaivao has made the switch to Pacific Systems Innovator, where she will get to focus on leveraging Pacific indigenous knowledge in initiatives which drive systems change at a local level.
“I’m excited to take on the roles and responsibilities that come with being the Pacific Systems Innovator and look forward to continuing this journey with the Healthy Families Waitākere team.”
Mike Tipene, Manager for Healthy Families Waitākere is thrilled with the appointments stating, “the expertise and genuine dedication to better health outcomes for people of the Pacific makes this duo an invaluable asset to our team. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring.”
