Ms Stephanie Erick

National Coordinator, Tala Pasifika National Pacific Tobacco Control Service

Fakaalofa lahi atu ke he mautolu osi ke he higoa ko Iesu Keriso.  Ko igoa haaku ko Stephanie Erick.  I am Niuean.  My parents Mali and Steven Erick migrated to New Zealand in 1975 so they could give birth to me.  Mum dedicated herself to being a full time housewife for 25 years before beginning her career and UoA degree.  My persevering dad continues after 36 years working on the trains. Both my parents exemplify commitment and loyalty for their seven children.

I am blessed with an exciting, beautiful and talented little dancer as my daughter, her name is Faith and like my parents I am trying to provide her with the correct love and leadership I learnt from them.   I like to think I can dance too; I have a background in the performing arts having featured in numerous TV programmes, films and live theatre performing in both Auckland and Wellington stages.

My first health related role following my first degree was short lived with the Heart Foundation in 1998 as a CPR instructor; I quickly took an opportunity to work with Pacific people and became a Heart Health Presenter with Pacific Islands Heartbeat.  Since then, I have completed a number of post graduate level qualifications and gained experience working in NGO, DHB and university settings.  I have always enjoyed working with Pacific people and doing my best to help others.  I was leade to university based work by the challenge from my own community to lift my game and contribute to health areas where Pacific people would benefit most. 

I am currently working as the national coordinator for Tala Pasifika – the National Pacific Tobacco Control Service within the Heart Foundation offices, back where my health career began.  Tala Pasifika was launched in November 2009 to ensure that Pacific peoples have their views fairly represented on key tobacco issues and in policy development processes.  We support Pacific communities to take action against tobacco smoking through the provision of up to date and appropriate information, resources and training.  Our Tuatua Tika research report was launched in Wellington August 2010 by Tau Henare member of parliament.

It is an exciting time for tobacco control in New Zealand. However there is still much more work for us to do for our people.  I am committed to the vision of a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2020 and I believe that together everyone achieves more. 

“If we can laugh together we can work together”