Porirua fills family harm coordination gap with new community role

A years-long gap in family harm coordination in Porirua has been filled, with Porirua Whānau Centre appointing a Kaituitui Hapori | Community Connector to work across agencies in the family harm space.

Nu'ulelei Taulalo began in the role this week.

The appointment, funded by the Ministry of Social Development through to December 2027, responds to a recognised need for better coordination across agencies working in the family harm space in Porirua.

Family harm affects some of the region's most vulnerable whānau, and improved collaboration between services is key to reducing harm and improving outcomes.

“Whānau dealing with family harm need agencies that talk to each other and work together,” Porirua Whānau Centre Chief Executive Liz Kelly says.

“For too long, that coordination has been missing in Porirua. This role fills a real gap, and we're proud to be hosting it.

“Nu'ulelei brings exactly the right values and the right commitment to the work, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this means for whānau across the region.”

The Kaituitui Hapori role focuses on improving communication and coordinated responses across agencies working in the family harm space.

While the contract sits with Porirua Whānau Centre, the role is governed through the Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke governance board — a cross-agency body overseeing family harm coordination in the region.

“Stepping into this role is both an honour and an exciting opportunity,” Taulalo says.

“I am deeply motivated by the chance to support whānau impacted by harm and to walk alongside them on their journey toward healing and wellbeing.

“I aspire to encourage our people to seek support with confidence and dignity, while fostering strong relationships not only with whānau, but also agencies and community partners, to ensure a collaborative and culturally grounded approach that uplifts and strengthens our whānau.”