WAITIRIA Greeks

A background in Health and Community work fosters a profound understanding of community resilience and the complexities surrounding health and wellbeing. A rich heritage in catering, cultivated through whānau and marae experiences, complements strong family values that enhance the ability to connect with diverse individuals. This lived experience has been effectively transformed into a professional journey marked by successful management and delivery of community initiatives that promote positive engagement and outcomes. Involvement with Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori, and Secondary Schools establishes a solid foundation in administration, governance, and Māori management structures. I am a passionate mentor dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders with the confidence and skills to thrive in both Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā.

From 2023 to 2024, we delivered "The Whakapapa Project" in collaboration with H2R Research and Consulting, Te Rau Ora, and MAS Foundation. This initiative successfully engaged three generations of local gang whānau. By utilizing a "by us, for us" methodology, the project was able to draw on their lived experiences to identify community needs and develop effective, community-led solutions.This initiative not only fortified the community's connection to whakapapa but also paved the way for expanded local, regional, and national relationships. It has cultivated a new generation of leaders dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of their whānau and communities.

• Represented an organization positively and professionally while providing the community with much-needed services.
• Collaborated with local organizations to expand service offerings and reach underserved communities.
• Implemented whānau led policies, procedures and management processes within Kōhanga Reo
• Kept accurate minutes from monthly meetings, updated job descriptions, policies & procedures and kept accurate records from day to day operations
• Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
• Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
• Collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to develop joint initiatives that benefited the broader community at large.
• Fostered sense of community, organizing neighbourhood gatherings.
• Approached issues proactively to best meet current and future community needs.
• Supported people through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
• Assisted people with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.