Arowhenua Whānau Services have a new pou whakahaere (chief executive) to guide the organisation into the next phase.
Moving from Auckland to Temuka for the role, Jade Sewell said she had fallen in love with the area.
‘‘I really have.’’
Ms Sewell had been considering the next step in her career when she came across the opportunity.
Although she had only visited the South Island a few times in the past, reviewing the organisation and its kaupapa [policy] made it clear the role was the right fit.
‘‘I can’t fault living surrounded by such beautiful maunga [mountains].’’
The organisation recently hosted an open day at Opihi College, providing an opportunity for the community to meet Ms Sewell and engage with the wider team, while also learning more about services the organisation offered.
Mana whakahaere (2IC) Koriana Waller said unlike more specialised services in larger centres such as Christchurch, Arowhenua Whānau Services delivered a comprehensive, wrap-around model of care.
With a team of about 36 staff, the organisation supported a wide range of needs, including whānau ora, mental health, sexual health, healthy homes initiatives and access to free healthcare.
Mrs Waller described the service as being like a korowai (a Māori cloak), where whānau might present with one need, but were supported holistically across other areas as required.
In previous years, open days were held during school hours.
She said this year’s shift improved accessibility for rangatahi and those working during the day.
While the clinic remained opposite New World in Temuka, the organisation’s head office has temporarily relocated closer to the Temuka Domain while the original site is renovated.
