Our Staff
Leadership Team

Magele Sosefina Paletaoga
Chief Executive
- Sosefina joined Ōtara Health Charitable Trust as the Chief Executive in November 2019.
- She has a long-term commitment to continue her community service to South Auckland, in particularly Ōtara where she grew up and attended local schools.
- For the last 20 years, Sosefina has worked in the education sector, in which teaching our youth and serving our community has been her passion and motivation. As a graduate from the University of Auckland, Sosefina successfully created a teaching career within the New Zealand secondary school education system.
- Sosefina is committed to best community practice, advocating and shaping the best outcomes for Maori and Pacific Peoples overcoming barriers, to accessing quality housing and health services.

Jean Sheppard-Sio
Administration Manager

Julia Areaiiti
Team Leader, Tautua Team

Mark Simiona
Operations Manager

Sherry Lunjevich
HIPPY Coordinator

Maddi Schmidt
Team Leader, Family Based Team

From left; Miriama Malama, David De Thierry, Michelle Simiona, Priscilla Ah Lung, Alison White, Sherry Lunjevich, Elisapeta Letele, Tuava’a Lefono, Natasha Lilo, Sosefina Paletaoga, Lama Saga, Waimarie Martin, Mark Simiona, Maria Takai-Hagai, Sioeli Kaifoto, Maddi Schmidt, Julia Areaiiti, Moses Ah Chong, Carol De Thierry, Jean Sheppard-Sio
Absent : Janine Wulf, Angelina Akapo and Chamilka Punchihewa
Otara Health Charitable Trust Board

Fa’anana Efeso Collins
Chair
- An OHCT Trustee member from 2017 until current.
- Efeso is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the government and community .
- Efeso currently works as the Manukau Ward councillor for Auckland Council.

Nita Ropati-Riki

Marlene George

Ruth Sio-Lokam

Elizabeth Tiumalu
CAG Chair – Samoan Rep

Tamara Taka-Jones Ngāti Tamaoho

Gail Hohaia
Board Secretary