Tania Papali’i

Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki

He toa taumata rau

Courage has many resting places.

Tania is a wahine toa who is committed to reducing the number and impact of youth suicide in Te Tai Tokerau.  She has been employed at Northland District Health Board as a suicide prevention coordinator since 2012 when Te Tai Tokerau was trying to deal with a contagion of youth suicides that created devastation in our communities.

Tania was instrumental in the creation of the Fusion structure, a multi-sector collaboration, that strives to reduce suicide and reduce the harm caused by suicide through utilising whanaungatanga, proactive analysis and intervention.  Fusion still thrives today and, thanks to Tania’s quiet determination and significant leadership, Fusion plays a primary role in suicide prevention work in the Tai Tokerau ki Muriwhenua.

Fusion’s work is to engage with agencies, individuals and communities who can contribute to activities and events that increase resilience for young people in Northland. Examples of the multi-sector collaboration include the development of Playworks Theatre in Education/Drama Programme which delivered the play Matanui (building resilience and reducing vulnerability) and the play UPSTANDER (bullying and family violence prevention).

Matanui reached more than 6000 participants during the two winter programmes.  An independent evaluation showed Matanui to be successful in reaching all its outcomes including empowering rangatahi/youth to seek help and connect to services within their own communities.

The plays were developed with and presented by young people in our communities.  Tania has brought a collaborative approach to all of this work, is adept at garnering support for the cause and unwavering in her advocacy for suicide reduction and ensuring that the issue remains everybody’s business.

Profile By

Ian Mckenzie, New Zealand European, General Manager, Mental Health and Addictions Services, Northland District Health Board

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Dr Ihirangi Heke

Waikato-Tanui

Ihirangi Heke, of Tainui-Waikato descent, was raised in the South Island mountain adventure environment before it was popularly known as such. This has helped to mould his particular approach to his personal and professional life, which has seen him build a range of specialised skills, knowledge and experiences in health and physical activity.

Dr Wayne Ngata

Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Porou

Wayne Ngata is a strong supporter of the revitalisation of te reo Māori and education models that are underpinned by Māori processes.

Grace Tairua

Ngāti Kahungunu, Tainui

Grace Tairua is a wife and mother of four girls who is currently in her second year at Wintec studying for a Bachelor of Nursing.

Jade Paora Kameta, MMIL

Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou

“Māwai te kauwae o Kawa e tō ki uta ki tawhiti!” Nā Kawatapuarangi