Vaka Tautua Celebrates Staff Training and Professional Development Achievements

It was a time of celebration at Vaka Tautua’s annual national staff fono in Auckland this week as staff were recognised for their training and professional development achievements. Over the past six months, twenty five (56%) of staff across the country have completed leadership, first aid, de-escalation and mental health peer support training. Five social workers also completed their social worker registration and practicing certification.

“We are very proud of our team, and their achievements,” says Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop.

“It was important that we, as an aiga [family] recognise and celebrate their achievements together… and the positive impact their increased knowledge and skills will have on our organisation, and the services and support we provide to our communities.”

Recently-appointed Auckland Ola Fiafia Mental Wellbeing Team Leader, Janeta Vasega, who completed the leadership and de-escalation trainings, spoke of the positive impact this has had on her.

“It’s feels nice to be supported to grow and gain new knowledge and skills,” says Ms Vasega.

“It’s important to me, when working for an organisation, to feel recognised and as though my work is seen. And that is how I felt when being presented my certificates at our national fono.”

Ora’anga Community Support Worker, Longo Matangi, expressed similar views.

“I am glad to work for an organisation that encourages me to upskill.”

Vaka Tautua launched its first-ever organisational-wide workforce development programme in August 2020, focused on ensuring staff are culturally and disciplinary competent to deliver high quality services to our Pacific communities. Other training programmes staff are enrolled in include masters and bachelors of counselling degree programmes. Vaka Tautua’s workforce development programme is partially supported by funding from the Ministry of Health’s Pacific Provider Development Fund. 

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and disability and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services, and financial capability services.

For all enquiries, please email: comms@vakatautua.co.nz