The Alliance Leadership Team (ALT) has welcomed Karaitiana Tickell to a newly-created ALT role, providing a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) / community leadership perspective.

Karaitiana is currently the Kaiwhakahaere (Chief Executive Officer) with Purapura Whetu Trust. He has a background as a psychotherapist and educator and has been involved in the NGO health and disability sector in Canterbury for 20 years.

Karaitiana’s experience with NGO’s is wide and diverse. He has participated in the evolution of NGO service delivery and development and worked closely with the NGO community including philanthropic and service provision NGOs.

He has also worked alongside several government agencies including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Justice, District Health Boards, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Te Puni Kokiri and the Whānau Ora Commissions.     

Karaitiana has had the opportunity to develop, support and implement changes in the health and disability sector for the betterment of whānau.

“My focus is on those members of the community with the least resource, and those who have been considered at risk of poor health outcomes,” says Karaitiana.

“I also have an interest in supporting gender diversity and gender affirming care by ensuring that all members of communities are seen and heard.”

Karaitiana believes prevention is better than cure, promotes early intervention and believes in autonomy and self-determining futures.