Ryan Dowling
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning - University of Canterbury
I was born in Lumsden, a small rural town in the deep south.
In Dunedin, I was fortunate to connect with Munisha, a key force behind The Worldwide Mosaic website—a movement dedicated to celebrating and embracing our country’s diverse population. I am proud to be part of this remarkable team and feel honoured to contribute to such an important initiative.
Zarghona Lafraie
Te Whatu Ora-Southern
From Afghanistan
Working with refugees is incredibly impactful and rewarding. Many organisations need volunteers to help with various tasks, from language tutoring to job training and mentorship. I am passionate about raising awareness about refugee issues and advocating for policies that support refugees can make a big difference.
Louela
I was born and raised in a traditional Filipino Catholic household and I’m the eldest of 3 siblings. I have worked in various fields of nursing (adult and paediatric) for more than 10 years in different countries(Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom) before I decided to settle in New Zealand.
I enjoy cooking, baking, singing (in the shower), doing meditation and yoga on my spare time. I am very blessed to be part of such supportive and inspirational team of people with different cultural backgrounds who are very passionate in their respective fields.
Kym Makanesi
I am a dedicated healthcare professional with a deep commitment to advocating for and improving the health outcomes for Pasifika and minority groups in New Zealand.
In the past three years, I have been working tirelessly to bridge the gap in health disparities.
I have been actively involved in numerous community education programs, health education initiatives, and policy advocacy .
This work focuses on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to quality services.
I hale from the beautiful Islands of the Cook Islands and born and breed here in the Deep South of Dunedin.
I am a dedicated healthcare professional with a deep commitment to advocating for and improving the health outcomes for Pasifika and minority groups in New Zealand.
In the past three years, I have been working tirelessly to bridge the gap in health disparities.
I have been actively involved in numerous community education programs, health education initiatives, and policy advocacy .
This work focuses on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to quality services.
Munisha Singh
Clinical Nurse Specialist- Paediatric Respiratory.
I have worked for Te Whatu Ora Southern DHB for the past 18 years.
I welcome the opportunity to take a change in direction within Te Whatu Ora and value being a part of a team that supports improving health outcomes and a part of a service that has a commitment to maintaining a high performing equity focused service.
A critical goal of mine is to improve health outcomes for all by implementing quality and safe health for all our minority communities in Aotearoa New Zealand which strongly aligns with the principles of the Te Triti of Waitangi and my passion for equity.
Master of Nursing- Massey University
Clinical Nurse Specialist- Paediatric Respiratory
I am a South African born and NZ citizen(20 years) and a speaker of English, Afrikaans, Hindi and Punjabi.
I have always challenged reality in any meaningful ways.
I did it because seeing so few people who looked like me, or shared any measure of commonality reinforced the feelings of not belonging.
I am grateful to live and be a part of this breathtaking country.
As my accomplishments and influence grew, so too did my confidence to act.
I integrated myself within ethnic communities and listened to their stories.
That got me here … and I guess it’s what brought you here too.
So, let’s work together on creating the inclusive, diverse respectful future that naysayers never believed in … and let’s invite them along for the journey.