A long-standing gap in family harm coordination in Porirua has been filled, with Porirua Whānau Centre appointing Nu’ulelei Taulalo as Kaituitui Hapori | Community Connector.
Taulalo began in the new role this week.
The position is funded by the Ministry of Social Development through to December 2027 and is designed to improve coordination between agencies working in the family harm space across Porirua.
Porirua Whānau Centre Chief Executive Liz Kelly said the appointment responded to a clear need in the community.
“Whānau dealing with family harm need agencies that talk to each other and work together,” Kelly said.
“For too long, that coordination has been missing in Porirua. This role fills a real gap, and we’re proud to be hosting it.
“Nu’ulelei brings exactly the right values and the right commitment to the work, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this means for whānau across the region.”
The Kaituitui Hapori role will focus on strengthening communication and coordinated responses between services supporting whānau affected by family harm.
While the contract sits with Porirua Whānau Centre, the role is governed through the Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke governance board, a cross-agency body overseeing family harm coordination in the region.
Taulalo said stepping into the role was an honour and an exciting opportunity.
“I am deeply motivated by the chance to support whānau impacted by harm and to walk alongside them on their journey toward healing and wellbeing,” Taulalo said.
“I aspire to encourage our people to seek support with confidence and dignity, while fostering strong relationships not only with whānau, but also agencies and community partners, to ensure a collaborative and culturally grounded approach that uplifts and strengthens our whānau.”
Family harm can affect some of the region’s most vulnerable whānau, and agencies say better collaboration between services is key to reducing harm and improving outcomes.
Anyone in immediate danger should call 111. People seeking family harm support can contact local support services, Porirua Whānau Centre, or visit the Ministry of Social Development’s family violence help pages for further information.