July 2010
"Getting Ready for Work"
Are you interested in part time work, training, or volunteer work ?
Are you interested in the next step?
For more information
Team Manager, Te Whare Puna Waiora
Mere Tavai
Tena Koutou Katoa
Currently Mere is the Team Manager at Wellink’s Te Whare Puna Waiora, a home where clients can focus on their cultural and mental wellbeing while working on different area’s of their lives until they are supported into their own home in the community. Mere took on the role of Co-ordinator in 2008 for this service in partnership with CCDHB nad became Team Mananger in 2009. Mere’s passion and drive since starting work at Te Whare Puna Waiora has been focusing on the service and the clients. Mere works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure Wellink’s Kaupapa is a living one for all who are supported by Wellink Services.
Mere has worked in the Mental Health Sector for 10 years and has had a continuum of on the job learning and professional development along the way.
Mere has been privileged to work alongside many people on their Journey of Recovery and has a strong passion for working with people. She gets her passion and inspiration through working with others and seeing the positive outcomes of their journey.
Mere began her journey in the mental health sector working as a Kai Awhina at Matahauariki – Kaupapa Maori Day Service based in Porirua her role was teaching Te Reo Maori, advocacy & supporting people that attended Matahauariki. Every day was different and working at Matahauariki gave Mere a strong foundation in mental health services.
Mere has also worked at a residential site for a Pacific Run Service – Fagai Care also in the Porirua Community as a key worker while attending Whitireia Polytechnic studying for a MHSW Certificate
Mere received her MHSW certificate in 2002, the same year she joined Wellink Trust as a Community Support Worker. Initially her work covered the greater Wellington Region Mere now works in Porirua where she also lives and has extensive knowledge of the community. This knowledge allows her to build networks and links for the people into the service she manages, Links that are beneficial to the clients unique needs and goals.
Mere has been a Member of the Pacific Advisory Group – Vaka Tangata for 5 years and has just joined the newly formed Maori Advisory Group for Wellink. Mere has been on several other advisory groups within Wellink.
Mere has attended Le Va for Emerging Leaders through a scholarship in 2008 and in 2009 Mere has attended follow up Workshops for Evolving Leaders through Le Va.In 2009 Mere was supported by Wellink in partnership with a Porirua Based PHO to attend a Mirimiri/Rongoa Wananga course.
“The last two years have been challenging professionally, personally and culturally but have given me a tremendous growth in all aspects my life which I am eternally grateful for.” Mere Tavai
Mere has two children and four beautiful mokopuna who all keep her busy outside of work.
Team Manager, Te Whare Puna Waiora
ph: 04 236 0971
fax: 04 236 0182
email: meret@wellink.org.nz
