Vaka Tautua appoints Dr Minnie Strickland as Clinical Director
DR. MINNIE STRICKLAND
Vaka Tautua has appointed Dr Minnie Strickland as its new Clinical Director, a part-time role that will see her join our organisation’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
The position, two days a week, is aimed at strengthening clinical governance and quality across the charity’s services.
At Vaka Tautua we support Pacific families and individuals facing complex challenges, including disabilities, mental health issues, and social pressures.
In this high-stakes environment, ensuring safe, ethical, and culturally grounded practice is critical.
The Clinical Director role will provide professional leadership, supporting managers and frontline staff to maintain consistent, high-quality care for the communities Vaka Tautua serves.
Dr Strickland, born in the Cook Islands and raised in Ōtara and Papatoetoe, is a General Practitioner with more than 25 years of experience.
She has dedicated her career to supporting Pacific people living with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
She currently serves as GP Lead at OneCare Health in Papatoetoe, where she is known for her hands-on approach to patient care.
Outside the clinic, Dr Strickland enjoys music and spending time with her husband.
She said she is “excited to join the Vaka Tautua whānau” and looks forward to supporting the organisation’s work with families and communities.
Dr Strickland officially began her role on Thursday, 7 January 2026 with a formal welcome with the wider team and community to celebrate her arrival.
Media: For any interview requests about this story please contact Aaron Ryan - aaron.ryan@vakatautua.co.nz / 0221006951