Mahitahi Hauora is proud to support the Taikorihi Locality. One of the ways we’re doing that is to hold funds for the locality and employ staff on the locality’s behalf.
Here we introduce Taikorihi Locality Programme Manager JJ Ripikoi, who recently joined our team.

What’s your background?
Having studied a Diploma in Aviation and gaining a commercial pilot’s license, my career aspirations have always been to become an airline pilot. However, due to Covid-19, I have pivoted and carried out a variety of roles. These include event management, business development management, community engagement and other contracting mahi. I am now studying towards a Bachelor of Business at Massey University. I also sit on the Kahukuraariki Trust Board as a trustee on behalf of my marae.

What do you do in your role?
As the Programme Manager, my role is to oversee the implementation of the Taikorihi Locality with the guidance and direction of the Locality Governance Group. As this locality is a new initiative, one of my main priorities is to ensure that this mahi is innovative and represents the kōrero of our whānau within Taikorihi.

What motivates you in your role?
My motivation for all of my mahi is to achieve equitable outcomes for whānau Māori. This locality provides a platform for whānau Māori and Māori provider voices to be heard. This is also an opportunity to showcase what can be achieved for whānau Māori when it is delivered by whānau Māori.

What would you like to achieve in your role?
As this is one of the first 12 prototype localities across Aotearoa, I would like this to be on the leading edge of how localities can operate. I would like this locality to be a reflection of the kōrero being shared by our whānau Māori that struggle navigating the healthcare system.

What do you like to do outside work?
Outside of mahi, I like to spend time with whānau and friends at home in the Far North. Fishing is also on the menu when I have down time.

JJ Ripikoi