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 Yvonne has worked as a social worker and educator in Canterbury for 30 years. She joined the Department of Human Services and Social Work at the University of Canterbury in 2001.

Her areas of interest include education, culturally responsive social work, and policy development, particularly in the field of family violence.

“I am passionate about enhancing the potential of Pacific people and working to make government policy and social sector activities more responsive to Pacific needs.”

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.

“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.

Sene is the newest member of our board, 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.