Vaka Tautua CEO Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop Resigns

Vaka Tautua CEO Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop resigns

It is with sadness that Vaka Tautua announces Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, is stepping down on 1 April 2022, after almost three years at the helm of the national Pacific health, disability and social services provider.

Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop

“My focus, when accepting the Chief Executive Officer role, was on strengthening the organisation’s capability, capacity, connections and performance so we can achieve even better outcomes for the Pacific peoples we serve… and I am very proud of my team, and what we have achieved together during my tenure,” Dr Dunlop said.

“Vaka Tautua would not be the success that it is today if it was not for our wonderful, passionate, dedicated and talented staff, who go “over and above” on a daily basis to ensure our families and communities receive the support they need to thrive and prosper… particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been an honour and privilege working with them, serving and supporting our Pacific communities across Aotearoa.”

Vaka Tautua has had tremendous success under Dr Dunlop’s tenure, which began in August 2019. It has experienced a period of revenue growth, record contract numbers, strengthened organisational capability and capacity and strong regional development and growth. In the 2022 financial year, Vaka Tautua’s number of services has increased by 48 percent. In addition to delivering services for Pacific peoples in the Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions, Vaka Tautua has also expanded into the Otago region, with service delivery due to commence in April.

Dr Dunlop, who tendered her resignation in January, said her decision was about timing, and the organisation’s future.

“My team and I have achieved what we set out to do… and with Vaka Tautua in such a strong and stable position, I feel it is the right time for a new leader to lead the vaka forward on its next journey… to enhance what is working well, but also add their own knowledge, experience and “flavour” to ensure the ongoing strength of Vaka Tautua, and its importance in the health, disability and social services sectors.”

“I will miss my team dearly, and those with whom I have worked with and served across Aotearoa. They have challenged me, inspired me, and supported me on this wonderful and very rewarding journey… I have been blessed,” Dr Dunlop said.

Vaka Tautua Board Chair, Viliami Toafa, acknowledged the positive contributions made by Dr Dunlop when announcing her resignation to staff on Friday. Long-serving national manager, Kristina Sofele, also paid tribute.

“Amanda has made a significant impact on Vaka Tautua during her time as CEO. The growth of our services, our reach and our relationships across New Zealand is a testament to her leadership and aspirations to help our Pacific families across New Zealand. Amanda leaves a strong foundation for the next CEO to build on... It has been a real privilege to serve with Amanda.”

Dr Dunlop will step down from the day-to-day leadership of Vaka Tautua on 1 April. 

The search for a new Chief Executive Officer will commence shortly.