Media Release 11/12/2000

New chief social worker announced

Shannon Pakura is to be Child, Youth and Family’s new chief social worker.
Ms Pakura, 45, will take over from Mike Doolan when he retires from the role in February next year.
The department’s chief executive Jackie Brown says: “Shannon will bring a wealth of professional experience, energy and passion for her work to this very demanding role.
“ She will be an excellent leader as we try to combat child abuse and neglect through our own services and by working with community partners. She has a real ability to understand issues and develop plans to address them.”
Ms Pakura, of Wanganui’s Te Ati-hau-nui-A-Paparangi iwi, has worked for Child, Youth and Family in a variety of senior roles since 1987. She is currently the national manager of residential and caregiver services.
“Child abuse and neglect is like an insidious cancer in our society. We all have to take responsibility for ending it. I’ll be taking every opportunity in my new role to support our social workers in their difficult jobs and work very closely with community providers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media