‘The biggest personal challenge I’ve faced in my career is not walking away. I could have … many times. Staying was much harder as there was so much against us during those difficult times.’ It’s been quite a journey for Pesio Ah-Honi, Mapu Maia National Director Pacific Services, Problem Gambling Foundation. Starting from literally nothing nearly 20 years ago, Pesio’s career path has led her to managing a team of nine staff, providing a national Pacific clinical and public health service in the problem gambling sector. But as she explains, that path hasn’t always been easily paved. Pesio...

The team from Mapu Maia, Gerhart Berking, Ben Langi, Phillip Siataga and Feleti Piva recently joined Radio 531pi Pacific breakfast show with Radio host Brian Sagala to discuss and raise awareness on problem gambling. The team members who all work in different regions around New Zealand; Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch united recently to speak about the who they are and the work they do. A special mention has to go to Philip Siataga who does not call himself a counsellor now, even though that’s what he is professionally, he instead refers to himself as a ‘Hopester’ when working with...

A great inspirational video, Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu (NKMP). What made you do this video? A few months ago two NKMP staff members had the opportunity to attend a workshop “Digital Story Tellers”. The agency is based in Sydney, but they offered a workshop in NZ. One of our staff members, the Communications, Media and Marketing Manager who is responsible for all our media releases including inspirational stories attended. After attending the workshop, the idea was raised to ask consumers/clients who are happy to be named and seen, to be part of a video. Nga Kete is committed to reflecting...