Our Board
Our board comprises respected leaders and professionals who are among the most trusted advisors within the Ōtautahi community.
Each member brings a shared commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of our people. Their passion and lived experience drive our mission to serve and uplift Pasifika communities with integrity and purpose.
Tanya McCall
Chair
Tanya worked as a lawyer in Christchurch before having two children who are now grown up.
She is Interim Executive Director of Community and Public Health (A division of the Canterbury District Health Board).
“I am incredibly proud of my Pacific Island heritage. It’s an honour belonging to a community known for its kindness, compassion and laughter. But I also want Pacific people in Canterbury to be known for being healthy and well.”
“So many of the illnesses affecting our people are preventable – if we can make our environments and lifestyles healthier, Pacific people will be able to make even greater contributions to families and communities.”
Tanya says they have an amazing opportunity as the Board of Tangata Atumotu to work in new ways to provide better and more accessible health and social services, and to improve the health and well-being of all Pacific people living in Canterbury.
Tanya worked as a lawyer in Christchurch before having two children who are now grown up.
She is Interim Executive Director of Community and Public Health (A division of the Canterbury District Health Board).
“I am incredibly proud of my Pacific Island heritage. It’s an honour belonging to a community known for its kindness, compassion and laughter. But I also want Pacific people in Canterbury to be known for being healthy and well.”
“So many of the illnesses affecting our people are preventable – if we can make our environments and lifestyles healthier, Pacific people will be able to make even greater contributions to families and communities.”
Tanya says they have an amazing opportunity as the Board of Tangata Atumotu to work in new ways to provide better and more accessible health and social services, and to improve the health and well-being of all Pacific people living in Canterbury.
Dr. Tara Ross
Deputy Chair
“I am humbled and grateful to take on this role on behalf of the community and to work for the community that I’m part of.”
As a journalism lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Tara brings her communication skills to the board.
She’s worked as a journalism lecturer at the University of Canterbury for eight years. Before that she worked as a senior journalist at The Press and Sunday Star Times.
Tara is of Samoan heritage so has a commitment to the Pasifika communtity and giving back.
An advisory board member and research fellow at the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, she has an interest in researching health and Pasifika. Her most recent publication was Social protection and COVID-19: The case of Pacific Island minorities.
Tara is looking forward to reaching out to the community through social media and asking the hard questions.
“I am humbled and grateful to take on this role on behalf of the community and to work for the community that I’m part of.”
As a journalism lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Tara brings her communication skills to the board.
She’s worked as a journalism lecturer at the University of Canterbury for eight years. Before that she worked as a senior journalist at The Press and Sunday Star Times.
Tara is of Samoan heritage so has a commitment to the Pasifika communtity and giving back.
An advisory board member and research fellow at the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, she has an interest in researching health and Pasifika. Her most recent publication was Social protection and COVID-19: The case of Pacific Island minorities.
Tara is looking forward to reaching out to the community through social media and asking the hard questions.
Pene Maddock
Secretary
Pene has worked for over 40 years in human services and brings that knowledge and experience to the Board. She’s worked with children, the elderly and with people with disabilities.
“I am excited to be a member of the Tangata Atumotu Board, to be a part of a service that supports Pacific people to access health services in their communities and to become more informed about health issues.
When not at work, Pene loves to spend time with family, being involved in amateur theatre, or playing around of golf.
“No matter a person’s gender, ability, age or ethnicity, we all strive to live happy and fulfilling lives. I like to think that through my work and my actions that I am able to support people on their journey toward fulfilment.
Sene Ioane
Board Member
Sene is a Senior Dentist at both the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Hospital and Community Dental Services.
Knowing about the barriers to dental health faced by the Pasifika community has fuelled Sene’s passion for advocacy for equitable and culturally appropriate oral health care. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Dental Public Health, she aims to contribute to broader health policies and initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Pasifika communities.
“My day-job has me helping one person at a time, so I’m very grateful and excited for the opportunity to contribute to our community as a whole."
Her clinical background, coupled with her passion for public health, makes her an asset to the board. While new to clinical governance, Sene's commitment to patient-centered care and wellbeing aligns seamlessly with the organization's values, promising a positive contribution.
Dan Larsen
Board Member
We are pleased to welcome Dan Larsen to our board. Dan is a Chartered Accountant and co-director of Winstone France, a public practice accounting firm based in Ōtautahi.
With extensive experience in accounting, business planning, and development, Dan brings a wealth of expertise in financial management and advisory services. His commitment to supporting business owners in achieving their goals aligns seamlessly with our mission.
Dan is deeply motivated by the opportunity to give back to the community, particularly through organisations like Tangata Atumotu Trust that make a meaningful impact on Pacific communities. “I’m passionate about community service and collaborative leadership, and I’m excited to contribute to the board. I look forward to offering insight and guidance that will support and strengthen the initiatives of this organisation.”
