Matt Appleyard joins Healthy Families South Auckland

Healthy Families South Auckland’s new manager hasn’t had to travel far to join his new team.

Matt Appleyard was welcomed at a mihi whakanui this month as the manager of the team based at Auckland Council.

Matt’s previous role was in Auckland Council’s Community Impact Unit – the same unit that Healthy Families South Auckland has now joined after leaving The Southern Initiative in October.

“It’s funny how things play out but I’m quite blessed that I get to take on this exciting new role within the Healthy Families New Zealand whānau while still being able to work alongside those who have supported me throughout my career,” says Matt.

The kaupapa of Healthy Families New Zealand is aligned to much of Matt’s experience in community-led initiatives and innovative work. He is passionate about working in the primary prevention space, specifically in Māori health and hauora.

“I also know that local government plays a vital role when it comes to community health and wellbeing and I’ve seen that in some of the initiatives that Healthy Families South Auckland has already done including Healthy Environment Approach and Kia ora Te Whānau.”

He replaces Winnie Hauraki as the manager of Healthy Families South Auckland at Auckland Council and is grateful for the work that she and Lead Systems Innovator Jacqui Yip have done over the past several years.

“Winnie’s leadership has had a massive influence on not only Healthy Families New Zealand but also Auckland Council,” says Matt. “She has strengthened the capability of the Healthy Families South Auckland team and leaves such a strong kaupapa for myself to learn and build upon.”

“I also want to acknowledge the work of Jacqui Yip as well. Her mahi with colleagues in the Community Impact Unit, as well as the wider Auckland Council, was always greatly appreciated and I know both will thrive in their new roles with the Public Health Agency.”

Originally from Wellington, Matt now resides in Tāmaki Makaurau with his wife and 15 year old son. He competes in waka ama and has recently returned from competition in Tahiti.