Nau mai: Kirimoana Willoughby, Assistant Village Manager
We’re very pleased to welcome Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei uri Kirimoana Willoughby into her new role as Assistant Village Manager at Eastcliffe.
Previously working in both the private and public health sector for five years, Kirimoana worked across the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei health insurance scheme helping many of our whānau to understand how the scheme works before moving to General Practice Manager at Ōrākei Health.
“Although I have plenty of experience in the health sector, residential care is a completely different kettle of fish,” she says. “I am ready for a new challenge and excited to see what this role may bring.”
A staunch advocate of the hapū and with a passion for elderly care, Kirimoana is keen to strengthen the relationship between Eastcliffe and whānau.
“Mostly, I am excited to work out the best way to align Eastcliffe’s care models alongside our Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei mātāpono, how we manaaki our people, providing them with a caring environment. This role will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it.”
Her aim is to bring the “Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei flavour” to Eastcliffe, through integrating tikanga and te reo Māori, and the look and feel of the village. Kirimoana is also looking forward to deepening her understanding of Whai Rawa and seeing more Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei whānau in the organisation.
“Our whānau need to be more visible throughout Whai Rawa and Eastcliffe on all levels but also within the operations and at management level. There are opportunities available for us.
Officially starting on September 5th, she is excited to meet the team, the residents and get stuck into her role!
