New CEO for Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu board chair, Norm Dewes, has today announced that Helen Leahy has been appointed to the
role of Acting CEO for Te Pūtahitanga.
“Helen’s experience, expertise and commitment to Whānau Ora will ensure that the operations of the organisation continue
to meet its overall strategic objective of ‘whānau rangatiranga – whānau oranga. We are very fortunate to have Helen
agree to undertake this role for us,” said Mr Dewes.
Ms Leahy was a Specialist Advisor, Strategy and Influence at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. She has held several senior roles
in Parliament including Chief of Staff of the Māori Party and Senior Ministerial Adviser for the former Minister for
Whānau Ora. Ms Leahy is also a member of the Child Youth and Family Modernisation process review panel.
“I recall the words of the late Manawanui Pauro. ‘Korowaitia te puna waiora hei oranga motuhake mō te iwi’. Those words
represent the very essence of Whānau Ora for me. The goal to improve the health and wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi by
meeting
the holistic needs of whānau – determined by whānau – will drive me as I undertake this role,” said Ms Leahy.
“My passionate belief is in recognising that all people have visions and aspirations and my determination is to do what
I can to support the staff of Te Pūtahitanga – and the whanau we work with - to strive to bring that vision closer to a
realisation.”
Helen’s role is temporary only – this allows Te Pūtahitanga board to ensure the organisation’s business continues with a
very safe and secure pair of hands at the helm. A process for the appointment of a fulltime CEO will be undertaken by
the board to ensure the best candidate to take over from Ms Leahy is found.
ENDS.
Lisa Tumahai, chair of Te Taumata, the iwi governance board of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, will be available for
interviews.
ENDS