Honouring a legacy: Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave transitions from chief executive role at Le Va

Le Va proudly acknowledges the outstanding legacy and unwavering leadership of our chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, as she transitions into a new strategic role within the Wise Group, after more than a decade of transformative service to our communities.

In August this year, Denise will step down as chief executive of Le Va and take up a new strategic role as specialist clinical and translational lead (SCTL) for the Wise Group. In her new role, Denise will be focused on leading primary prevention of mental health, suicide and addiction, while continuing to support Le Va with clinical leadership, research and innovation.

We are also delighted to announce the appointment of Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati as Le Va’s new chief executive, effective 11 August. A trusted leader and current general manager, Dr Mati brings deep cultural, clinical and strategic expertise to guide Le Va’s next chapter.

A planned leadership transition

Le Va board chair, Josiah Tualamali’i, says this planned leadership transition is an exciting time for the organisation, reflecting Le Va’s commitment to growing leaders.

“The Le Va board wishes to honour and recognise Denise’s family and their support, as well as her legacy of transformative leadership that has helped shape Le Va as a trusted, internationally recognised leader in suicide prevention, violence prevention, disability and mental health.”

“We are excited for her new role, where her deep knowledge, mana and connections will continue to benefit the wider mental health and wellbeing sector.”

Honouring the leadership of Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave

Under Denise’s leadership, Le Va has continued to flourish as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most respected Pacific-led organisations.

As Le Va’s senior clinical lead for eight years, Denise provided clinical oversight  of Le Va’s programmes and resources and led the design and implementation of two national suicide prevention programmes – LifeKeepers and FLO: Pasifika for Life – both of which continue to save lives and strengthen whānau and communities across the country.

As chief executive for the past five years, Denise has steered Le Va through some challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple natural disasters.

Reflecting on her journey, Denise shared, “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead Le Va through times of global and local adversity.”

Shifting the system to primary prevention

Despite decades of increased government investment, Aotearoa continues to see rising levels of mental distress, suicide and addiction. In her new role, Denise will focus on shifting the system from crisis response to primary prevention – addressing root causes while building protective factors like belonging, cultural identity and resilience.

“Primary prevention is not optional, it is a strategic imperative for protecting mental health and reducing long-term system pressure. Too often, we wait until people are unwell before we act,” she says. “We need to create the conditions for people and communities to maintain their mental wellbeing.”

As we honour Denise’s legacy, we prepare to warmly welcome Dr Elizabeth Mati into the chief executive role. Le Va remains in trusted hands, guided by Pacific values, clinical excellence and a steadfast commitment to creating brighter futures for our communities.