Investment in Staff Paying Off
Newly-registered social workers, Mary Makita and Lota Sika.
Vaka Tautua’s investment in its staff is paying off, with 20 percent of its workforce obtaining higher qualifications over the past six months, as part of its workforce development programme. A further 58 percent of staff are either completing or starting studies this year.
The workforce development programme, launched in August 2020, is focused on ensuring staff are culturally and disciplinary competent to deliver high quality services to our Pacific communities. It involves funding support, study leave, and a flexible and supportive work environment. It is Vaka Tautua’s first-ever, organisational-wide workforce development programme.
Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, is thrilled about the programme and staff’s achievements to date. She considers the programme a “win-win” for everyone involved.
“It (the programme) means Vaka Tautua is able to deliver even higher quality, evidence-based and culturally relevant services to our communities…and achieve optimal outcomes (for them),” says Dr. Dunlop.
“… but we are also building the knowledge, capability, and skills of our staff… investing in them, so they and their families can also thrive and prosper… that is something I am particularly pleased about.”
This week, four staff in Vaka Tautua’s Auckland offices obtained social worker registration and practicing certificates. Aiga Seve, one of the staff, is thrilled about her achievement.
“I am glad to be recognised as a registered social worker, as it validates my work as a community social worker in the mental health sector,” said Ms Seve.
Mary Makita, another recent graduate, is also excited about her achievement.
“It feels good to be officially registered. I am excited to continue to support the Pasifika community, to continue my work as a social worker,” said Ms Makita.
Vaka Tautua’s workforce development programme is partially funded by the Ministry of Health’s Pacific Provider Development Fund. Priority areas for learning and development are mental health, disability, social work, leadership and management.
Recent achievements:
Aiga Seve (Vaka Tautua Auckland: Central) - Social Workers Registration; Social Worker Practising Certificate.
Kaiongo Tupou (Vaka Tautua Canterbury) - Diploma in Business.
Lota Sika (Vaka Tautua Auckland: South) - Bachelor of Social Work; Social Workers Registration; Social Worker Practising Certificate.
Mary Makita (Vaka Tautua Auckland: South) - Social Workers Registration; Social Worker Practising Certificate.
Ngatuakana Kino (Vaka Tautua Auckland: Central) - Social Workers Registration; Social Worker Practising Certificate.
Pelenaise Lolohea (Vaka Tautua Auckland: West) - National Certificate Level 4 in Mental Health and Addictions.
Pennysa Tipelu (Vaka Tautua Auckland: South) - Social Workers Registration; Social Worker Practising Certificate.
William Tyrrell (Vaka Tautua Wellington) - National Certificate Level 4 in Mental Health and Addictions.
Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health 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.