Jackie Burrows

Jackie Burrows, a proud Ngā Puhi wahine, raised in the Chatham Islands has been part of the He Waka Tapu whānau for 13 years and has held the position of Chief Executive for the last 7 years. He Waka Tapu is a distinguished non-governmental organisation dedicated to delivering health and community services tailored to the needs of Māori and other ethnic communities.

Drawing upon a remarkable career spanning over 26 years across diverse healthcare sectors, including mental health, addiction, and residential services, Jackie embodies a wealth of experience and expertise. Her leadership has been instrumental in the establishment and advancement of vital services in suicide prevention and family violence intervention, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to the well-being of whānua and communities.

With a number of years’ experience in leadership Jackie fosters an extensive network built on shared values and cultural understanding, working to build individual capabilities from a strengths-based approach across the organsiation.

Her own personal journey and cultural heritage provide a profound insight into the complexities of whānau dynamics and the challenges surrounding preventable deaths within indigenous communities.