Nai-Vikoca Mullane-Ronaki (Tapuika, Waitaha-ā-Hei, Ngāti Pikiao, Savusavu) is a Senior Advisor in the Whānau Ora Delivery team. After starting at Te Puni Kōkiri in May 2023, she has worked across multiple roles, completed her Master’s degree, and found fulfilment in mahi that makes a difference to her community.

Nai began her journey at Te Puni Kōkiri as a Policy Analyst in the Māori Sector Partnerships team (now Te Pae Arataki Ture). After studying health policy for her undergraduate degree and previously working at the Ministry of Health, she was drawn to Te Puni Kōkiri by the opportunity to work in a kaupapa Māori environment.

“As a Māori, I wanted to work with other Māori. As a Māori public servant, I always wanted to work at Te Puni Kōkiri,” she says. “For a lot of Māori public servants I had met, Te Puni Kōkiri had been a big part of their career journey, and that was something I really wanted for myself. It seemed like a place where young Māori public servants could learn and grow.”

After two years, Nai moved into the Whānau Ora Policy team on a six-month secondment. During that time, she worked closely with the Whānau Ora Delivery team, which led to her stepping into her current Senior Advisor role in March 2026.

Her work now focuses on supporting the operational delivery of Whānau Ora, including managing contracts and relationships with commissioning agencies, while also contributing to strategic advice on how the model can grow.

“Whānau Ora is a culturally grounded, holistic approach, to empower whānau to build on their strengths and achieve their aspirations. Its foundations are grounded in Māori principles which what makes it special – it’s whānau-centred and whānau-driven,” she says.

Nai is particularly energised by being part of a pivotal stage for Whānau Ora, following the transition to a new commissioning model.

“It’s exciting to be involved in this phase of Whānau Ora delivery. We’re seeing new agencies grow and become established, and we’re supporting them through that journey while also improving how we do things. Being part of shaping how this model evolves is really rewarding.”

A key part of her role is maintaining and strengthening relationships with commissioning agencies and gaining insight into how services are delivered on the ground.

“I really enjoy working alongside our partners and understanding the impact they’re having in communities. All my work is advocating for Māori rights, interests, and development. I feel such a strong sense of identity and pride in knowing that what I do contributes to something bigger for our people.”

Reflecting on her time at Te Puni Kōkiri, Nai says the support she received early in her career played a huge role in her development.

“I was given a lot of responsibility early on, along with the trust and space to learn. There was room for me to make mistakes and grow, and I was always supported through that. That’s where I think I’ve learnt the most.”

She also highlights the organisation’s strong commitment to supporting kaimahi in ways that reflect tikanga Māori.

“One of the things I really value is the understanding around tangihanga and whānau commitments. Being able to take the time you need and feeling genuinely supported by your managers makes a big difference. There’s also a real sense of manaakitanga here – supporting each other through tough times and celebrating together in ways that feel natural and right for us as Māori.”

Nai also credits Te Puni Kōkiri’s support for helping her complete her Master’s degree while working full time.

“I was supported to attend classes, given study leave, and encouraged the whole way through. I don’t think I would have had that opportunity elsewhere. That support, along with other professional development opportunities, really helped me grow in my career.”

For Nai, however, it’s the people that make Te Puni Kōkiri truly special.

“I love the diversity and how comfortable I feel expressing my Māoritanga – whether that’s through everyday conversations, sharing kai, or through the work that we do. It’s a place where I can be myself and feel proud of the mahi I’m part of.”

As she continues her journey, Nai remains passionate about contributing to Whānau Ora and supporting outcomes that uplift whānau across Aotearoa.