ALAC Appoints Pouarahi Maori – Maori Manager

ALAC Appoints Pouarahi Maori – Maori Manager
PRESS RELEASE
02 JULY 2011
Maori health leader Matiu Julian (Nga Ruahine, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Ngati Tu Mango) has been appointed to the national position of Pouarahi Maori, or Maori Manager, at the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC).

Mr Julian has been working for the last six years in a senior role with Tui Ora – a Maori development organisation within the health and social service sector in Taranaki – and has extensive experience working collaboratively with communities and service providers as well as with national and local government agencies.

He was a 2010 recipient of a Te Apa Mareikura Award for demonstrated competencies in community health, strong connections to the community, proven leadership ability, effective community networks and academic performance that contributes to future Maori health gains.

ALAC Manager Strategic Operations, Tuari Potiki, says the Pouarahi Maori, or Maori Manager, leads the organisation’s work to reduce alcohol-related harm among Maori.

“We are a small organisation with a big task – Maori are a major focus for ALAC because they suffer disproportionately from alcohol-related harm,” says Mr Potiki. “Matiu has a wide range of skills, experience, networks and relationships which will be a significant asset in this important role.”

Speaking at a Waiariki Institute of Technology bicultural journalism reunion in Rotorua today (Saturday July 2), Matiu Julian says he is excited by the opportunity to change the way people drink by trying to change the drinking culture.

“ALAC recognises that this task is not something we can do alone,” Mr Julian says. “We are acutely aware that to really make a difference, we must team up with whānau, hapü, iwi and Maori as well as with Maori service providers, local and central government and the non-government sector. I look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Matiu Julian replaces Gilbert Taurua who has taken up a position as the new Director of Maori Health at the Whanganui District Health Board.

ALAC is an autonomous Crown entity charged by legislation with reducing alcohol-related harm. For more information, go to www.alac.org.nz

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