Jacqui Harema combines her expertise in indigenous values, innovation, and leadership to advance health and economic wellbeing.
Jacqui grew up in West Auckland and has accumulated over 20 years of experience in indigenous service, strategy and innovation, family-centred design, and implementing and integrating outcome frameworks. As a dedicated team member at Te Whānau o Waipareira and currently serving as the Director of Whānau Ora, she collaborates with her team to develop and integrate an intersectional solution led and designed by families based on their specific needs.
In 2021, Jacqui and her whānau worked tirelessly on the frontlines to vaccinate their community against Covid-19. She recognised that increasing vaccination rates within the community required employing manaakitanga towards vaccine-hesitant individuals. Many Māori individuals displayed vaccine hesitancy due to past experiences of institutional racism and systemic neglect. Jacqui found that engaging in open conversations about people's past experiences helped kaimahi better understand the cultural and community perspectives that influenced people's views on vaccinations.
Additionally, she shared her Covid-19 whānau plan, discussing and encouraging community members to prioritise safety and develop a plan to take care of their household's needs during the pandemic.
Links:
Jacqui Harema - Te Whānau o Waipareira Top Executive
Katakata overflows in boil-up kōrero videos
Te Whānau o Waipareira: What makes Māori-led initiatives work?
Partnership signed between Oranga Tamariki and Te Whānau o Waipareira
