Systems innovators from Health Families South Auckland were recognised this week for the continued work in advocating for water in schools.

During a special assembly, Healthy Families South Auckland Systems Innovators were recognised by Tangaroa College for the work they’ve done with the school’s Health Council for promoting wai water in the school.

Healthy Families South Auckland Systems Innovators Tapu Vea and Tracey Walker have worked passionately with the school’s Health Council to develop goals and an overarching mission on what they want to achieve.

Both received gifts and a special note of appreciation from students.

“It was truly a humbling experience. When you love the mahi you do and the opportunities to work alongside South Auckland communities, it seems so effortless. It is because of them that we are great at what we do,’’ says Tracey Walker.

“It was a lovely gesture by the school and the Health Council whom we have been working with. Tapu and I stand in a space of gratitude today.”

Both Tracey and Tapu were also on hand to welcome new members of the school’s Health Council, which now boasts up to 24 students who, all give their time voluntarily.

“Tangaroa is leading the way for other South Auckland schools to join the movement. They are already thinking of great ideas to lead the way for Otara. Tangaroa College is growing young change makers that are not only our leaders of tomorrow, but our leaders of today.

“The number of students on the Health Council shows us that there is very high interest in wanting to improve Wai intake their school. Through the Wai Water Southside project, the students have created a cool movement where they have now captured the attention of the wider student body that will see them develop solutions to scale out to their school,’’ says Tracey.