For our last Tāngata Tuesday profile of 2025, we decided to wrap up the much-loved series by featuring someone very special: our Chief Executive Marion Heeney. Read the interview below to find out more about Marion, her busy role as CE, and why she loves working at Kia Puāwai.
What drew you to working in the social service sector?
My dad trained to be a pilot in WWII. After the war he joined the NZ Police where he remained until he retired. I grew up with a service-to-the-public ethic, and not just from his Police work. My mum and dad also volunteered as scout and guide leaders, swim club, PTA, they always came as parent help on school camps, and later in life after retirement they were involved with Riding for the Disabled and Probus.
Roles that give back to community and help make Aotearoa a better place for everyone is a key motivator for me, following on from the example set by my parents.
What does the day-to-day look like in your role?
There is no typical day, which is one of the things I like about my role! It could include meeting with a caregiver, chatting to a young person in our service, talking to frontline kaimahi, or representing the organisation (for example through our sponsorship of the Excellence in Foster Care Awards).
On another day you could find me dressing up in rainbow colours to celebrate Pride activity, learning about different cultures though our Pasifika language weeks, meeting with senior officials in our partner Government funder agencies, and promoting what we do at every possible opportunity.
Then there are the more structured type of CE things such as exercising my delegations, keeping an eye on performance and organisational targets and outcomes, quality of service delivery and practice, health & safety, and wellbeing at work.
The other big chunk of my role is more strategic in nature. What's coming up, what do we need to prepare for, how might we reach more whānau who need our services, and where will Kia Puāwai be in 10 to 15 years.
What keeps you going in this sometimes-stressful position?
Hearing from whānau and rangatahi that the mahi of our frontline kaimahi has been transformative for them. Here are some examples from the past year that help to fill my cup:
"Youth Service has helped me to secure housing and supported me to achieve my goals for a better future."
"Your care, patience and unwavering commitment have been a balm in a turbulent time for this rangatahi. Im embracing her with warmth and dignity, you've helped her to begin to trust again. You've done more than provide care, you've honoured her humanity in ways that cannot be measured in case notes or KPIs."
"A BIG thank you for everything you've done for our family - it's really made a difference. You always made it safe to talk and be honest, which means a lot. We all really appreciate the time, care and effort you've put into helping us."
This shows me that our whakakitenga is being lived every day - Kia Tupu, Kia Hua, Kia Puāwai
What do you love about working with Kia Puāwai?
See the answer above! It's a true privilege to work alongside such passionate, skilled and committed people at all levels of the organisation.
How do you relax after a busy week?
I am lucky enough to live near Takapuna beach, so on Saturdays and Sundays the first activity is a walk along the beach with my husband and our labradoodle Jess. Family time is very important. I am blessed with two wonderful sons, two awesome daughters-in-law and now three grandsons, all of whom live in Auckland. Most weekends there is some kind of family activity, although we are yet to try and have all three grandsons stay overnight. Not sure that would fit into the relaxing category!