Leilani is currently the Manukura (Chief Executive) for Mana o te Tangata Trust a Kaupapa Māori Mental Health & Addiction Peer Support Service in the MidCentral District Health Board, and Pouwhakahaere for Te Kete Pounamu. Leilani’s previous roles include Te Ūpoko o Ngā Oranga o Te Rae a central region contract with district health boards supporting 18 Māori and non-Māori mental health and addiction providers with technical support, in-service training and enhancing tangata whaiora voice.
Leilani developed and delivered adult youth and their whānau addictions peer support services throughout the Manawatū region; this also included providing services within the Manawatū prison working with male offenders (18-32 years old) with mental health and addiction issues and their whānau outside the prison. It was followed by a joint initiative between four Alcohol and other drugs Non-government organisations (NGO) providers with the Department of Corrections Community Probation – Single point of entry for referrals that rolled out from MidCentral District Health Board. Leilani has the energy and drive and brings experience as a mental health and addictions worker from a consumer-focused platform, front line service delivery, administration and management. Leilani is a strong advocate in ensuring that the voice of Tangata whaiora and their whānau are inclusive and being heard. Leilani believes it is paramount that we implement a whole system paradigm change across all sectoral sectors.