PDM – Clinical Lead
Associate Professor Sione Vaka is the Poutumatua Pasifika (Tausisoifua) and Pacific lead at Te Huataki Waiora School of Health at the University of Waikato. He hails from the Kingdom of Tonga (villages of Longolongo, Neiafu, Lofanga and Lapaha) and had been working in different areas of mental health including acute inpatient, crisis services, early interventions, liaison psychiatry, community and cultural services. Sione’s research interests are mental health, Pacific health, gerontology, men’s health, youth. He has been awarded number of research grants and also won research awards. Sione also actively participates in the Pacific communities and ensures that the Pacific worldviews are addressed in the health and education systems. This leads to his contribution with the Pacific model of care, ūloa that address how to work with Pacific people experiencing mental distress
PDM – Clinical Governance Advisor
Dr ‘Etuini Ma’u is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland and a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist at Te Whatu Ora Waikato. He is a member of the Dementia Matewareware Leadership and Advisory group, providing strategic advice to guide government on achieving the vision of the Dementia Matewareware Action Plan in Aotearoa. ‘Etuini was awarded an HRC Pacific Clinical Research Training Fellowship in 2019 and the Alzheimers New Zealand Fellowship in 2022 to support his research into dementia prevention and improving dementia services for Pasifika people in Aotearoa.
PDM – Clinician
Dr Siale Foliaki is a dual qualified Adult and Child Psychiatrist with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in both public and private practice. In his public role he is currently Associate Clinical Director Pacific of Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau Rohe Mental Health Services. Other roles he currently occupies include Pacific Clinical Lead Whakarongorau National Telehealth Service, Clinical Director Capri Sanctuary which is a boutique mental health and addictions provider and fitness to practice consultancy work with the New Zealand Medical and Nurses Council. He has developed his career primarily as a clinician but has also undertaken extensive research projects the most significant being his involvement in the New Zealand Mental Health Survey Te Rau Hinengaro. He has a strong interest in dementia at both a professional and personal level as he has close relatives that are suffering from dementia.
PDM – Clinician
Dr Staverton Kautoke is a Tongan Psychiatrist who was born and raised in Tonga, completed his medical training at the University of Otago medical school and currently lives and works with his family in Auckland, New Zealand. He has more than 10 years’ experience working closely with people who had suffered and continue to suffer from Dementia. His clinical skills combined with his expert knowledge of the Tongan language and culture enables him to navigate a culturally sound approach and connect easily with those suffering from Dementia. Staverton is completing his qualitative research on the Tongan worldview on Dementia where he has interviewed both participants with dementia and their carers.
PDM – Clinician
Makoni Havea is a Nurse Practitioner in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in the Te Whatu Ora, Counties Manukau district. She is Clinical Lead for the Village Collective in Manukau and an academic mentor and supervisor at Massey University. She is a member of the Fatu Fono Ola (Pacific Health Senate), Te Whatu Ora. She has clinical experience working as a case manager, mental health nurse and leader in various mental health teams within Counties Manukau Health (inpatient and community), and in providing mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support within Primary Care and Integrated Locality Teams. Makoni was born in Ha’apai, and raised in the village of Haveluloto & Ngele’ia in Tongatapu. Her father is from Vaimalo, Vava’u and her mother is from Tongoleleka, Hihifo Ha’apai & Fungamisi, Neiafu Vava’u
PDM – Clinician
A Registered Nurse and Clinical Lead Navigator for the Pacific Dementia Mangalo Project, possesses a rich background that deeply connects him with his roots in the villages of Tongoleleka and Felemea Haapai, Tonga. Fluent in Tongan and deeply embedded in its culture, Tevita has demonstrated remarkable adeptness in engaging with the community, an attribute honed during his upbringing in Tonga until the age of 19. Recently relocating to Auckland after a significant tenure of over four years in Dunedin, Tevita has made substantial contributions to the Pacific community there. His involvement in mental health initiatives, particularly the Ke Tatala Project in Dunedin, highlights his commitment to addressing critical health issues. Tevita’s extensive experience in community service is noteworthy, encompassing vital areas such as vaccinations, cervical, and cardiovascular screenings. This work, particularly within the Pasifika and Tongan communities, showcases his exceptional skill set and invaluable contributions to community health and wellbeing. His transition to Auckland is a continuation of his dedication to serving the community, bringing invaluable expertise and experience to his new role.
