We’re excited to share that our CEO Mark Vella is a finalist in the Robert Walters New Zealand Leadership Awards for the Hnry Innovation Leadership Award.
The innovation leadership award recognises leaders who drive innovation, spark change and contribute to the advancement of the sector they work in.
Mark is among three finalists for the innovation award and winners are due to be announced on August 15. Read more about the awards.
We believe Mark stands out as a champion in breaking down barriers for people who are most in need of accessing healthcare. He is a tireless campaigner for finding and funding solutions that put individuals and whānau at the centre of care, making it possible for them to get the support they need, how and when they need it, where they need it.
Many of the initiatives Mark champions as CEO of Total Healthcare Charitable Trust are unique to the South and West Auckland communities, but could be scaled up to benefit thousands more people across New Zealand. For this reason he is relentless in his quest to engage politicians and others to support and fund the national roll out of these local successes.
The projects he champions are changing the lives of local people including those impacted by domestic violence, mental unwellness, severe obesity and young Māori and Pacific mums.
Among Mark’s successes is funding and support for:
- Wellness Support Team: Mark collaborated with renowned psychiatrist Dr David Codyre to establish a unique primary mental health programme in 2001 that led to the development nationwide of wellness support in GP clinics.
- From the Couch: a free holistic programme for Māori and Pacific people battling severe weight issues through a partnership with community-based Brown Buttabean Motivation, founded by Dave Letele. This programme includes free access to medical and wellness support, meaning people who never normally go to a GP will get what they need to succeed.
- Gandhi Nivas: New Zealand’s first 24/7 wrap-around services helping men to engage in early rehabilitation and stop violence towards women. The free residential services allow women to stay in their homes.
