Malia Award winner 2016

Malia Award Winner 2016

Each year, Family Start Manukau celebrate their outstanding employees with the Malia Award. Named after a much-loved case worker who sadly passed away, the Malia Award is an opportunity for the often humble case workers to be nominated for their dedication and hard work within the Manukau community, and a chance for everyone to share in their success.

This year's award winner was Aifou Fuimoana-Tiatia. First employed by Family Start Manukau in 2009, Aifou took a brief break before resuming her role in 2013. Nominated for her integrity, responsibility and willingness to challenge herself in the workplace, Aifou is said to demonstrate the principles of Tinorangatiratanga by sitting down to get to know the people she works with and understand them as equals. 

Compassionate, honest and strong, Aifou embodies the qualities Family Start Manukau encourage in all their social workers, and everyone agreed it was about time this quiet and unassuming colleague was recognised. She received her award at a staff event in December, to a roaring round of applause.

Well done Aifou!