Apollo Taito

Talofa,

I joined Le Va in May 2017 and want to develop health services that are innovative, relevant and service user and family/aiga centred.

As a professional manager with more than 15 years in the mental health sector, I have worked in the NGO, Pasifika Mental Health and Addictions, Primary Care and District Adult Mental Health sectors.

I bring to Le Va a comprehensive history as a leader and senior manager in adult district mental health and addiction services, with 10 years’ experience in clinical management roles. I have led mental health strategy transformations within the DHB that include acute service review, referrals management, governance infrastructure implementation, and talking therapies.

I completed a Masters in Health Management and I’m currently completing a PhD part-time, focusing on Pacific mental health leadership in DHB settings.

I am of Samoan descent, born and raised in Auckland. My father is from Upolu, the village of Saleimoa. My mother is from Upolu, the village of Vaiee.

When I am not working at Le Va, I am serving as a part-time soldier with the New Zealand Army, and I am an active vegan.