HPF farewells long-serving Board Chair
HPF’s Board Chair, Mark Simiona was farewelled at a Board meeting and lunch at the Holiday Inn in Māngere, Auckland last Thurs (Mar 27).
FAREWELL: (Fr left) HPF Kaumatua, Trevor Simpson, Mark, Dr Karyn Maclennan, Fran Kewene, Viliami Puloka and Christine Roseveare. (Board members not pictured: Grace Wong,Te Rukutia Tongaawhikau, Karen Billings-Jensen and Jasmine Graham.
Mark, who served as Chair for five years, said he agreed to take the reins at the helm of the Board because it gave him the opportunity to learn more about HPF, and to collaborate with more organisations around potential health and wellbeing initiatives.
He said he was sad to be leaving and that this Board, as well as members who had come and gone, had been a ‘real pleasure’ to work with.
‘I consider this as a special part of the culture at HPF. It’s family and at all times consistent with care and respect for the views of everyone. This is rare in governance groups and made my time as a member and as Chairperson enjoyable.”
Mark said just some of the many highlights of his time with HPF, included Sione becoming the first Indigenous president of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, HPF moving to a virtual office, former HPF Deputy ED Trevor Simpson’s move to PHARMAC as and return to HPF as Kaumatua.
Other highlights included the online delivery of workshops (webishops) and the Certificate of Achievement in Introducing Health Promotion (CoA), Leanne Eruera becoming Deputy ED and the move towards the establishment of the Health Promotion National Accreditation Organisation.
Mark’s parting message for the HPF team was simple.
‘Carry on looking to do things differently. Only in that difference and willingness to test solutions can we find what works. Let’s not be crazy by doing the same thing over and over but rather be willing to be instruments of change for the betterment of our people always.
'God bless and love to you all.'
Sione said, "for five years, Mark led HPF with great foresight, courage, humility and business acumen. A strategic and systems thinker, he was the first Pasifika person to chair HPF. In collaboration with his fellow Board members, HPF thrived under Mark's leadership. He will be greatly missed".
HPF's Business Manager Sunila Mani, Mark, Sione and Leanne.
HPF's Deputy Executive Director Leanne Eruera said Mark's wisdom, and unwavering commitment to HPF have been truly valued.
'His strategic guidance, particularly his ability to navigate challenges and turn them into opportunities, have been instrumental in shaping our direction.
'Beyond this, Mark’s pastoral care and support for both the Board and our team have left a lasting impact. His ability to bring people together, offer encouragement, and lead with compassion has fostered a strong and supportive environment that will continue to inspire us.
'His vision for the Forum has set a solid foundation for the future, ensuring we remain well positioned for success while staying true to our values.'