About the Board

South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board

The South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board (SASWB) was established to improve outcomes for children and young people in South Auckland. It is one of two place-based initiatives currently in action, the other being Manaaki Tairaawhiti.

Our Board Design and Agencies

SASWB is designed to have collective accountability to the lead government Minister through an Independent Chair. The Board is comprised of the Independent Chair and local senior officials from member agencies: A decision-making body designed to make collective decisions through consensus. The agencies that make up the Board are provided below.

Our Board Members

Featured

Dr. Julie Wharewera-Mika — Independent Chairperson

Dr. Julie Wharewera-Mika (Ngaati Awa, Ngaai Tuuhoe, Te Whaanau aa Apanui, Dutch) is a proud South Auckland/Papakura local and a maamaa of four sons (Maaori/Samoan/Dutch). Born and raised in Whakataane, her strong cultural roots shape her commitment to supporting the wellbeing of tamariki, whaanau, and communities. With over 25 years of experience in the mental health and wellbeing sector, Julie is a registered Clinical Psychologist and Kaupapa Maaori researcher, holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and completing a Post-doctoral Clinical Fellowship with Brain Research NZ.

Julie advocates for a strategic focus on wellbeing, driving transformational change to enhance oranga whaanau. She demonstrates inclusive values-based leadership, supporting strong connections across multiple system levels and embracing a trust-based partnership approach enabling community-led approaches to achieve meaningful impact.

Julie has contributed to national initiatives and holds leadership roles as a Board Member for Mana Mokopuna Children & Young People’s Commission, the Brainwave Trust, and the Rise & Shine Josiah Mika Foundation. She is Head of the MAS Foundation, co-lead of the Aotearoa Brain Project - Kaupapa Roro o Aotearoa and an Advisory Board Member for Te Pae Whakatere Hawaiki Hou at Sport New Zealand. Her governance experience also includes serving as Chair of Whaanau Oranga Puumau (Maaori Customer Advisory Panel) at ACC, Board Member of the Initial Mental Health & Wellbeing Commission NZ, executive roles within the New Zealand Psychological Society, and various school and community committees.

Julie is eager to continue serving her South Auckland community, where she has dedicated over a decade to clinical work. Her passion for the region extends beyond her professional commitments, reflected in her personal involvement as a long-standing representative of Counties Manukau in touch rugby, managing junior Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League teams, and playing netball for the Ootara Scorpions, further fuelling her commitment to driving positive change.