Sally Dalhousie

Chief Operating Officer

Born and raised in Invercargill, Sally is the second child of four, to her Tongan mother (Malia Sesilia) and NZ Palangi father (Peter Richard).

She was motivated to pursue studies in social work because of her interest in social justice and the desire to address oppression. Sally finds contributing to Pacific community building highly rewarding and feels honoured to have worked for The Fono since 2009. She enjoys organisational development which enhances how The Fono can improve outcomes for those in need, while ensuring that frontline staff are protected and well. Sally feels deeply grateful and blessed that her role enables her to contribute to a greater cause so that The Fono can move closer to the organisational vision of ‘well, safe, vibrant and informed communities’.

Sally is a board member of both the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers and the Waitakere Improving School Attendance Programme. She is also a member of various working groups.

And as for her interests, she loves everything about her adorable family, maintaining a focus on healthy choices and being on or in the water including kayaking, fishing and body boarding. She also loves the great outdoors, movies, singing and writing.