Kaimahi Kōrero: Renee Eaton, Primary Health Networks Tāmaki Coordinator.

Kia ora, Renee! Ngā mihi for taking the time to catch up with us!

Can you tell us a bit about what you do here at NHC?

Yes, of course! Besides causing a ruckus in the tari, I support and coordinate between three teams within our PHN Northern Team. I support the Practice Support Tāmaki Team, the Te Tumu Waiora Team, and our Comprehensive Primary and Community Care Team. I’m quite lucky because of this—I have a diverse role, from administrative and coordination support one day to working with clinics to answer their queries around funding and supporting them with any issues that pop up. I love it as it keeps me on my toes and always learning.

You’re part of our social event team, Te Rōpū Whakakotahi. Can you tell us a little about the group and some of your favourite events?

Yes, Te Rōpū Whakakotahi is our one and only social club! We support and facilitate some of the key events for kaimahi during the year, from selected cultural days to social awareness events. I always look forward to our annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are quite blessed that each time we have these events, it’s a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and start normalising the conversations around topics that can be seen as taboo. Plus, it’s always so lovely to see our kitchen all pretty in pink.

What initially attracted you to join NHC?

I have always lived by the motto of 'Be the change you wish to see'. I started at NHC during the second lockdown. After changing career paths, I wanted to walk the talk and contribute to tangible change. As I’ve always had a strong sense of justice, I was naturally drawn to the kaupapa of serving people and communities. Everyone has a role to play on the waka, from the administration level to the executive leads level.

What’s the best thing about working at NHC?

The people! I am surrounded by individuals who are truly passionate about what they do—whether they’re in the clinics or schools, working with whānau to meet their needs. Everyone has a different 'why', but it’s always amazing to see everyone collaborate to make the overall picture come together. Plus, they also make me laugh a LOT.

If your job had a theme song, what would it be and why?

Tik Tok by Ke$ha. Because the party really doesn’t start till I walk in.

What's the most interesting or unusual task you've had to do in your role here? No day is the same here at NHC.

I wouldn’t say strange, but with the variety in my role, I get to be a part of some fun and interesting kaupapa. However, the most interesting part would be supporting a pop-up flu vaccination event that needed to be executed quickly. It was my first glimpse into what our amazing nurses and clinical staff do, and ever since, I’ve really gained an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into it all.

If you could trade jobs with anyone else in the company for a week, who would it be and why?

Lucy Donnelly, our Recruitment Manager! I love meeting new people from all walks of life and making connections. I’d like to think I have a knack for bringing people out of their shells and making them feel at ease. It would also be fun to be the person who can bring people in and immerse them into our space.

What’s something that stands out to you about being part of a kaupapa Māori organisation?

I think the most prominent factor is getting to be part of the change. I don't take lightly the opportunity to have a voice and speak in these forums on behalf of our patients, whānau, communities, and practices. It’s a real privilege to be in such a position that can influence how things are done in the future and contribute to better outcomes for the people we serve.