IAHA & Nga Pou Mana – Proud to be Indigenous Series

Caitlin Balkin, BPhys minor in INDV studies, PGDip Maori and Indigenous Leadership

Caitlin (Ngati Awa, Ngati Maru) is a practicing physiotherapist at Counties Manukau Health based in South Auckland. She has practiced across multiple areas in the health sector including acute, stroke rehabilitation, paediatrics and community. Caitlin currently sits on the Maori health allied health advisory board within Counties that advocates for Indigenous consultation in policy and strategy approaches to Allied Health. She is also mentoring final year Maori and Pacific Islander physiotherapy and occupational therapy students to help support the transition from final year to new graduate entry into the workforce.

Tumanako Tomo, BSW, MAIK

Tumanako is Waikato, Ngati Kauwhata, Ngati Rangitane, Ngati Raukawa, Ngai Tahu iwi descent. Tumanako has a Bachelors of social work and a Masters in applied indigenous knowledge. Tumanako has 15 years’ experience working for Oranga Tamariki and District Health Boards in different capacities. Tumanako is passionate about supporting Maori whanau and supporting the Maori workforce. More recently Tumanako has worked as a clinical social worker for the District Health Board Regional Youth Forensic Service, providing indicative assessments within the youth courts and providing culturally appropriate mental health treatments within the youth prison.

Ulima Tofi, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Porou (Aotearoa), Tufulele, Vaipuna (Samoa)

Ulima is currently the co-Chair of Tae Ora Tinana, the national organisation representing Maori Physiotherapists, is an executive committee member of Pasifika Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (PAHANZ) and is currently completing his Masters in Rehabilitation exploring factors that enable Maori and Pasifika Allied Health Professionals to thrive in public health systems (hospital).

De ‘colon’ isation – the shit we put up with. How we see through our ancestors & grandchildren’s eyes.

Come on a journey with George and Teah, catching & sharing stories of history, experiences and spirit. A workshop on ways of being in a colonial system and co-creating an Indigenous model of care.

Dr Teah Carlson BSocSci (Hons), MAP, PhD

Teah descends from Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngati Porou and Waikato-Tainui. Teah is an artist, activist, academic and draws on these identities to express, connect and articulate Indigenous solidarity, self-determination, and hope. Her work

highlights the importance of the Indigenous voice and control with respect to the delivery of health services, transformation of health literacy and cultural safety practice. Teah works as a Kaupapa Maori researcher and evaluator at SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, Massey University. She is Co-Chair of Nga Pou Mana – Tangata Whenua Allied Health Aotearoa. Teah is passionate about the continued advancement of her people. She views her work as an honour and responsibility to contribute towards actionable and transformative change. She encompasses research and evaluative practices that allow the placement of Indigenous issues, concerns, ways of understanding and practice at the centre. In particular, focusing on research on strengthening family health and wellbeing that is context-sensitive, promotes social justice and focuses on enhancing the life circumstances of community.

George Kingi – BSW, DipSUP

George has tribal affiliations to Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngati Porou, Ngati Awa, Ngapuhi, Waikato & Ngati Pikiao. George is a leader, learner and storyteller. With a strong connection and understanding of Matauranga Maori and Te Ao Maori; George has been able to share this knowledge to involve, engage and inspire those he works with. George is a Change and Development Lead for the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. This role works alongside Whanau Ora service providers in the Auckland -Tamaki region and provides workforce and strategic development. George is a qualified Social Worker – Bicultural Practice (first class honours). He has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Kaitiakitanga – Bicultural Professional Supervision. For over a decade, George has worked closely with rangatahi, whanau and Maori and Pacific communities – connecting and engaging with the many different whanau. George has experience in health and community management, supervision, Whanau Ora and rangatahi development. George has designed and implemented an array of successful approaches, interventions and programmes. All the programmes have been centred around rangahau, matauranga Maori and kaupapa Maori principles and practice. George is passionate about Te Ao Maori and believes it has so much more to offer in all aspects of life if we only just listen – whakarongo, whakarongo, whakarongo.