Innovation Manager leaves Vaka Tautua stronger
Vaka Tautua recently farewelled Innovation Manager, Bernice Mene, who has been an integral part of the organisation since April 2020.
Bernice Mene
Bernice originally came on board the Vaka as Special Projects Manager to oversee the organisation’s national response to the COVID-19 pandemic during New Zealand’s first-ever lockdown.
This involved rapidly designing and setting up new systems and processes, national communications, and securing and planning the distribution of hundreds of packages of care, food parcels and PPE gear across the Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions.
Following that successful initial response to the global pandemic and its many challenges, Bernice went on to accept the position of Vaka Tautua’s first Innovation Manager in July 2020.
In this role, she was responsible for securing Vaka Tautua new contracts for services and embedding a culture of innovation within the organisation.
Bernice certainly delivered, and in her time with Vaka Tautua she achieved many significant milestones, including securing contracts for our key services: Matua Ola Manuia Day Programmes for older peoples; Tōfā Mamao: Valuing Lived Experience Project; Tupu Aotearoa Disability Project; and Tupe Wise (financial capability).
On her departure, Bernice said, “I only came for three months but stayed for 18, and that is testimony to the Vaka and to the people. Like the Māori proverb says – What is the greatest thing? ‘He tangata, he tangata, he tangata’ – it is the people that make this organisation. They are the reason I was able to do my mahi and also the reason why I stayed. Now I can see the Vaka is in very good hands, and is about to go on into bluer waters.”
Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, acknowledged Bernice and her significant contribution to the organisation at her farewell.
“Your leadership, team work and support have been invaluable in building the vaka to what it is today, and our successes. Thank you for everything you have done for our organisation and our Pacific communities. You leave us in a stronger, better place.”
Bernice was farewelled on 10 November. She plans to spend more time with her young family and focus on other commitments.
Everyone at Vaka Tautua, including the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, wishes Bernice well for her future endeavours. Her leadership, management and laughter have been a privilege to experience.
