Going the extra mile to support Pacific mental health and wellbeing
Teinaki Mahitu with Marion Paoo outside his new home.
Vaka Tautua’s frontline staff often go above and beyond to support the Pacific people who use our services. As part of the organisation’s Ola Fiafia mental health services, the Ora’anga team supports people living with mental illness, which sometimes means addressing the underlying issues causing distress.
Teinaki Mahitu with Tina Kiikoro of Tāmaki Housing with a signed tenancy agreement and keys to a new place to live.
Earlier this year, Teinaki Mahitu reached out to Vaka Tautua for support after being made homeless. Marion Paoo, Peer Support Worker for our Ora’anga service in Central Auckland, responded immediately. The urgency of the situation put pressure on Marion to liaise quickly with Work and Income, the Ministry of Social Development, and Tāmaki Budgeting, but she was determined to pursue every avenue to ensure Teinaki had a warm and safe place to sleep.
That day was a long and anxious one for Teinaki, but he was relieved to receive Marion’s guidance through the social housing process and not be left out in the cold. With the help of Tāmaki Housing, Teinaki has now moved from short-term housing into permanent accommodation – a spacious one-bedroom unit that is perfect for his needs.
Senior Tenancy Manager for Tāmaki Housing, Tina Kiikoro, said, “Here at Tāmaki Housing, we are accustomed to going the extra mile for the general public because we recognise the need for support, and Papa Teinaki’s situation was no exception. The positive outcome for him is such a testament to Marion’s hard work and Vaka Tautua’s approach, spearheading in the spaces that other agencies step back from.”
Even after he was securely settled, Marion continued her support by helping Teinaki apply for funding from the Ministry of Social Development to purchase whiteware and other items. He has said, “I’m enjoying my new home, it suits me and being settled gives me peace of mind. I want to thank Marion for everything she has done to help me – I appreciate her help and hope she stays strong in the Lord.”
On her part, Marion shared, “I’ve witnessed Papa Teinaki go from being completely distraught and feeling hopeless to being absolutely relieved, thankful, grateful and filled with hope. It was a great experience to work closely with staff at Tāmaki Housing, collaborating to meet the client’s needs.”
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s Ora’anga service