Being Maaori, establishing connections (whakawhanuangatanga) is important to Karen Molyneux, one of our Allied Health Triage Clinicians based at Community Central in Lambie Drive and recently elected President Tangata Whenua for Occupational Therapy New Zealand, Whakaora Ngangahau (OTNZ WNA).
The organisation supports and advocates for the profession of Occupational Therapy with their foundation the Te Tiriti Relationship Governance model which helps ensure equal numbers of tangata whenua (Maaori) and tangata tiriti (non Maaori) are represented and share in every decision at a national level.
“After being approached to consider the role, I was inspired by their commitment to demonstrating integrity and authenticity to Te Tiriti o Waitangi shared by the whole profession,” Karen says.
“Being able to listen to and act on the needs of individuals is an honour.
“We have an obligation to each other as health professionals, as colleagues as tangata whenua (Maaori) and tangata tiriti (non Maaori) but especially to the people we serve, to their wider whaanau and to the community by maintaining the principles of manaakitanga (kind), whanaungatanga (valuing everyone), ki te Wairuatanga (spirituality), me ona tikanga (custom).”
Karen has lived most of her life in South Auckland and says she enjoys the rich cultural diversity that is a part of this region. She strongly identifies with the community she serves and says it is a highlight of working at Counties Manukau Health.
“I have worked at CM Health for three years and enjoy the collaboration and supportive team environment.
“I also enjoy our Community Central team, which provides a high-quality experience of care, being encouraged to take a lateral or overarching perspective with the wide variety of referrals we triage - this often provides opportunities for creative and out-of-the-box solutions.”
Karen is of Waikato-Tainui, Ngati Porou and Te Rarawa iwi.
Congratulations on your great achievement Karen.
We love celebrating the great achievements and work from our staff here at Counties!
Keen to be part of the part of our team where your mahi matters?
Check out our clinical and non-clinical roles here: https://careers.countiesmanukau.health.nz/working-here/