Integrated Outcomes Unit Team
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Jayna Diaz
Social Worker Team Lead
Jayna is a registered Social Worker with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB). In 2012, she obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (Biculturalism in Practice), Te Tohu Paetahi Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga, at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
She joined the Tongan Health Society in 2022 and was promoted to Social Worker Team Leader in 2023.
Jayna spent almost 11 years working at Child, Youth and Family, which later became Oranga Tamariki. While there, she gained extensive experience as a Care and Protection Social Worker.
Jayna’s approach to social work is grounded in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to creating inclusive and culturally safe environments. She strives to be humble in her work, believing that every individual's unique story deserves respect, kindness, and understanding.
By fostering collaboration with service providers, community leaders and families, Jayna builds strong, supportive networks that empower individuals and promote positive change.
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Frances Tahapehi
Registered Social Worker
Frances is a Registered Social Worker and commenced working the Tongan Health Society in June 2021.
She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the Faculty of Education (2007) and a qualification in Bi-Cultural Supervision from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2009.
Prviously, she worked at Raukura Hauora o Tainui, a Māori organisation focusing primarily on family violence intervention.
Frances’ support for families affected by harm began in 2006 when she attended the South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network (SAFVPN). The network started as a small group of organisations, and in 2007, the Teal Ribbon campaign was launched. It focuses on the impact of family violence on both men and women and the wider family unit.
The Teal Ribbon campaign reinforced Frances’ commitment to advocating for family violence prevention. Her ongoing work in this field allows her to engage with internal and external referral networks to support Tongan whānau.
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Christina Fifita
Registered Social Worker
Christina completed a Bachelor of Social Work in 2016 from Massey University. In 2017 she joined Stand for Children’s Health camp as a Residential Social Worker and later became a Community Social Worker.
Before migrating to New Zealand in 1989, Christina completed a Diploma of Teaching at Tonga Teachers College and became a teacher for junior classes at St Andrews School for two years.
Christina joined the Tongan Health Society in 2022 and is focused on creating a positive difference in the lives of her clients.
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Alisa Kafoa
Pacific Non-clinical/Whānau Ora Navigator
Alisa joined the Tongan Health Society in 2021 as a Medical Receptionist/Pacific Navigator. She had previously worked in urgent care and is well connected within the Tongan community.
She has advanced knowledge and skills in Medtech Evolution and in 2024 completed a Micro-credentialing course at the University of Auckland. This provided Alisa with an understanding of the key healthcare challenges facing Pacific communities.
Alisa is at ease dealing with people from all walks of life and has the skills to engage with customers in a way that quickly builds rapport.
Alisa is passionate and driven, which have served to help with her professional development.
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Linda Schaaf
Pacific Elderly Home Care Navigator
Linda joined the Tongan Health Society in February 2021 as a Pacific Elderly Homecare Navigator. She has worked in the sector for over 15 years and was inspired by her role as a family carer for her late disabled sister.
As a Homecare advocate, Linda connects elders and their families with quality homecare services while ensuring cultural values and traditions are honoured.
Fluent in both Tongan and English, she adopts an empathetic approach that fosters trust and empowers elders to actively participate in their own care.
Linda’s mission has always been “To be the Voice for those who have no Voice!”
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Seini Latu
Outreach & Parish Care Coordinator
Seini is a dedicated and results-driven professional with over seven years of experience at Tongan Health Society, where she demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing community well-being.
Seini holds a Diploma in Health Promotion. Her career began with the Mana Kidz Programme, where she worked for over 11 years and became a Mana Kidz Champion. She played a key role in training and mentoring new staff and contributed to a supportive and high-performing team environment.
Seini joined the Tongan Health Society in 2017, and in 2024, became the Outreach Parish Care Coordinator. This role enabled her to use her extensive health promotion and community outreach background to drive positive change and support the community's diverse needs.
Her professional journey reflects hands-on experience, leadership, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Seini’s aim is to serve the Tongan Health Society with dedication and innovation, ensuring sustained growth and excellence.
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Richard Kepu
Youth Navigator
Richard joined Tongan Health Society in 2023 as a Youth Navigator. In this role, he guides Pasifika youth and their families towards greater independence and making positive contributions to society, family, and community. This includes navigating various systems such as education, employment and healthcare.
Richard is an Auckland University of Technology graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, majoring in Accounting and Human Resources. His professional experience covers Human Resources, Finance and Hospitality.
He is actively involved in his church's youth ministry, which ignited his passion to support families and youth.
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Kateni Jones
Youth Navigator
Kateni completed a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Pacific Studies in 2021. In 2023, she worked as a Transition Project Facilitator and Youth Worker. In this role, Kateni supported Pacific and Māori students transitioning from intermediate to high school, helping them overcome barriers during a critical stage of their education.
She joined the Tongan Health Society in 2024 as a Youth Navigator. Kateni works closely with youth to create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
She is passionate about equipping youth with the tools and confidence they need to thrive. And as a dedicated advocate for Pacific and Māori youth, she is focused on empowering the next generation.
Kateni’s experience extends beyond education. She has an extensive background in customer service which has given her the skills to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Harry Risale
Pacific Whānau Ora Navigator
Harry has a double major in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Auckland and completed his Postgraduate studies at Massey University.
He has worked with Pacific leaders who taught him the importance of streamlining services to cater to the needs of Pacific people specifically,
Harry commenced his role at the Tongan Health Society in 2024. He is dedicated to empowering clients and upholds strong cultural, people and community values. Harry is committed to ensuring Pacific families are healthy and prosperous.