Presentation to the Public Health Leadership Programme 2016

The Public Heath Leadership Programme is designed for public health leaders in New Zealand, and is funded by the Ministry of Health. It has been developed following extensive consultation and aims to build leadership within the public health sector. It was my recent pleasure to speak with participants of its Auckland cohort to outline a Pasifika perspective on leadership.   

In its seventh year, the programme focuses on developing leadership skills with a major focus on self-leadership. The programme focuses on building a personal leadership ‘backbone’ based on values, purpose and vision. This approach allows participants to discover their own leadership potential and equip them with practical and tested leadership tools and resources. The programme generates immediate and lasting benefits for participants, those they lead and for public health.

The programme generates immediate and lasting benefits for participants, those they lead and for public health. 

The programme was developed by Catapult (specialist leadership and organisational performance consultancy) and Quigley and Watts (public health specialists). The 18 participants at the Auckland presentation ranged from different backgrounds and ethnicities, with Ruth Uo from The Village Collective and Tai Fa’alogo from the Stroke Foundation representing Pasifika.  

This was my second presentation for this programme, with our chief executive Dr Monique Faleafa also having presented in 2014.

My presentation engaged participants to a Pasifika perspective that can be applied to public health and, in particular, how Pasifika see the world. Understanding Pasifika values and how they are displayed and fulfilled within the connected paradigms of a Pasifika world and a Western world is particularly important for young Pasifika people who sometimes feel disconnected to both worlds. I also talked about the beliefs and vision of the first generation of Pasifika to leave the Pacific Islands to try to make a better life in New Zealand. Underpinning both these perspectives for Pasifika is the importance of leadership based on shared values and culture. 

Understanding Pasifika values and how they are displayed and fulfilled within the connected paradigms of a Pasifika world and a Western world is particularly important for young Pasifika people who sometimes feel disconnected to both worlds

The intention of the programme is that participants will be able to make a difference in public health and have the skills and courage to act. Le Va supports all those participants on their journey, and encourages more Pasifika in the public health workforce to consider this great programme. For more information, please visit the Public Health Workforce Development website.