Mele Tonga-grant - Systems Innovator - Pacifc
Mele was born in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai and grew up in Taitā State. Her whakapapa goes back to the kingdom of Tonga. Mele joined the team in October 2023 and is working on improving the health and wellbeing of our Pacific community. Mele joins us from Hutt City Council - our lead provider, where she was the Senior Community Facilitator, working with Pasifika, rangatahi and rainbow communities in Te Awa Kairangi.
Niua Fo’ou | Tatakamotonga | Fua’amotu
GET TO KNOW MELE
What song do you like to blast in the car?
Life is ruled by my tamariki – so before I can blast my own music, I need to play something for them first. Their current fave is Pī Nanamu.
Who inspires you and why?
My family that first migrated here to Aotearoa, because of their resilience in adapting to a new way of living, environment and language, whilst maintaining and passing on our Tongan culture and language.
What is your favourite book and why?
A New Dawn – Emeli Sione.
This book shares the very real experience of Pasifika and is a story of resilience and of our achievement and how far we have come. It’s a story of hope, of the promise of a new day, but also a reminder of how far we still have to go.
What is your vision for health and wellbeing in Te Awa Kairangi?
ALL whānau have equitable access to have their needs met and can live quality lives that is supported by a culturally responsive and understanding system. We have access to clean water, healthy kai, live in healthy and safe homes and have TIME to be active and also tend to mental and spiritual wellbeing in a way that reflects our collective and individual needs.