Investing in Our Workforce: Empowering Social Workers to Deliver Exceptional Care

The whānau served by The Fono often face complex health and social needs, requiring our staff to operate at the highest level of their expertise.

“To provide the best services, we need a workforce committed to ongoing learning," says Chief Operating Officer Sally Dalhousie. 

Like many organisations since the pandemic, The Fono has faced challenges in securing the workforce it needs, prompting the realisation that "we must cultivate our own workforce by supporting staff in their ongoing professional development," says Manager Social Services Tima Hunt.  

The Fono recently sent 16 of our 40 Registered Social Workers to the ANZASW 60th Anniversary Celebration and Wānanga. This event brought together leading thought leaders in the field, offering our staff a chance to engage with the latest developments in social work. The gathering began with a poignant video message from Dame Cindy Kiro, a former social worker and the first Māori woman appointed as Governor-General of New Zealand, setting the tone for two days of 'Legacy, Learning, and Leadership.'  

The Fono honoured Rose Henderson, Emma Webber-Dreadon, and Te Naihi Wilson with beautiful kahoa.

Sharyn Roberts, ANZASW President, and Sally Dalhousie, The Fono Trust COO.

Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad highlighted alarming statistics regarding the well-being of children in New Zealand, emphasising the critical role social workers play in addressing these challenges. For The Fono's social workers, this event was a valuable opportunity to connect with the history of their professional body, reflect on the current state of social work, and contribute to its strategic direction. The Pacific staff's engagement with renowned thought leaders enriched the experience for all delegates.  

During the Celebration Dinner, the 'Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho - Living Legacies' Project was launched. This initiative featured recorded interviews with three social work luminaries, encouraging others to document their own taonga for the ANZASW's historical record. Following the 15-minute video presentation, The Fono staff honoured Rose Henderson, Emma Webber-Dreadon, and Te Naihi Wilson with beautiful kahoa and a siva performance. 

Our staff honoured Rose Henderson, Emma Webber-Dreadon, and Te Naihi Wilson with a siva performance.

This event provided a crucial space for frontline social workers to critically evaluate their practice and recognise their role as agents of change. The Fono's commitment to workforce development is evident in our support for staff to attend such events, continually improving how we serve and what we achieve for those in our care.