Irene Walker

Ko Mauao te maunga Ko Awanui te moana o Tauranga Ko Mataatua Takitumu nga waka Ko Ngai te Rangi Ngati Ranginui te iwi Ko Ngati He Ngai te Ahi te hapu He uri ahau o nga papaka o Rangataua Ko Rangiwhakaehu Irene Walker Tihei Mauri Ora

MY ROLE:   Kairuruku o te kaupapa o Kia Piki te Ora ki Te Tai Hauauru o te Moana o Toi  – rohe o  Mai-kuri-a-wharei ki Tihirau – WBOP Regional Co-Ordinator for Maori Suicide Prevention .

BACKGROUND:  I was fortunate to be appointed to the role in May 2010 after returning home from Auckland after 8 years in a project management role at Te Hotu Manawa (National Maori Heart Health) as the Auahi Kore and Aukati Kai Paipa Manager. I have been in the health sector for 15 years and have gathered over time some skills and experience to assist our communities in a phenomena that is rising amongst our young, our future leaders of tomorrow.  The mahi of Suicide I find challenging, but remain optimistic as the power of prevention” lies with us “   Maori suicide prevention is under-pinned by cultural identity along with other contributing factors, but one most vital is the access to our cultural connections – our reo, marae, awa, moana, maunga, whanau, hapu, iwi their sense of belonging – Kei a tatou ano te ara tika”.

I have a Business management degree from Waikato University but prefer our wananga due to its relevant learning that we as Maori are facing, Maori focused with Maori solution.  There is a desire to progress to Masters’ once I have settled my mokopuna at home and have time dedicated to study again, in the meantime, it is wonderful just being home and working with the whanau.

No reira, nga mihi mahana ki a koutou