By Islan Taunoa, new Te Piki Oranga board director
Ko Tutumapo, ko Hikurangi ngā maunga
Ko Te Hoiere, ko Waiapu ngā awa Ko Te Hoiere, ko Horouta ngā waka
Ko Te Hora Pa, ko Hinemauria ngā marae
Ko Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toarangatira ki Wairau, ko Kāi Tahu ngā iwi
Ko Isla Taunoa tōku ingoa
I was born and bred in Wairau and on my father's side, (Walker whānau) I whakapapa to Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Toarangatira (ki Wairau), Ngāti Koata and Kāi Tahu. On my mother's side, (Keelan whānau, Uawa) I am Ngāti Porou.
I am a proud mother of two grown sons and beautiful 15-year-old twin daughters.
I have a career background in social work, mental health and nursing. In my late 30s I lived in Porirua and studied as a mature student, graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing Māori from Whitireia Polytechnic. I also studied law and political science for awhile.
I am a registered Māori nurse and currently work in clinical nurse lead roles with the Hauora Māori team at Marlborough Primary Health Organisation, in Blenheim.
Before this, I worked for Corrections in both the men’s and women’s prisons, holding the Māori health portfolio and advocating for Māori health initiatives.
At one stage I was the Corrections NZ Māori Nurse Representative for Te Waipounamu in a nationwide rōpū of Māori Corrections nurses.
I was a New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union representative for three years. And recently I was elected Chair of Te Runanga (Māori Nurses) Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui, for the NZNO.
In addition to this role I am currently on the executive boards for Ngāti Toa Rangatira ki Wairau, and the Cancer Society (Wairau).
I feel privileged and honoured to be representing Ngāti Kuia on the Executive Board of Directors for Te Piki Oranga.
Ngā mihi mahana, Isla Whainoa Taunoa
