Tauranga Living Without Violence, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating safer homes and communities, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Moana Tane as its new Chief Executive.

"Dr. Tane brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to addressing domestic violence in our community," says TLWV organisation spokesperson.

Moana is a respected leader who has worked extensively in the field of Family Wellbeing, including violence prevention and specialised family violence programs, and holds a doctorate in Indigenous Health and a Master of Public Health.

Her passion for supporting victims and perpetrators aligns perfectly with TLWV’s mission.

She has previously served as an executive with social and emotional wellbeing programs including family violence, community reintegration programs, alcohol and other drugs services, mental health prevention and clinical services (adults, youth, and children), and primary health care services.

Her interests extend to research and is a Chief Investigator on a Global Alliance for Chronic Disease national project in Australia, working with indigenous women who are pregnant, to quit smoking.

Dr Tane continues to advocate for the well-being of families on both sides of the Tasman and has a strong commitment to community engagement and the building of partnerships for ‘joined up’ strategy, planning and implementation, to reduce the harms associated with violence and the lasting effects, impacting across generations.

“Our journey in this important work, is to contest and challenge the blaming of victims who have experienced violence, instead honouring and acknowledge their responses, and resistance to violence," says Dr Tane.

"Our role in the communities we serve, is to shift the existing narrative, and as a society, expose the use of violence with language that clarifies offenders’ responsibilities, particularly with the use of coercive control, within intimate partner violence, and within families."

Nigel Waters, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Tane’s appointment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Moana Tane to TLWV. Her expertise and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to combat domestic violence and create lasting change," says Nigel.

“I need to place on record the board’s gratitude to out-going CEO Janice Belgrave who has provided a wonderful foundation for Moana to build upon.”

Dr. Tane officially assumed her role on March 11, 2024, following a two-week induction.

She is committed to building strong partnerships with other agencies, advocating for policy changes, and expanding TLWV’s impact across the Tauranga Moana region.

About Tauranga Living Without Violence:

Tauranga Living Without Violence provides help to domestic violence victims by supporting them to be safer and assisting in their recovery from their efforts of the trauma they have experienced.

They also work with perpetrators of violence, encouraging them to examine and challenge their beliefs about dominate behaviour and its effects, whilst teaching them non-controlling and non-threatening alternatives.

Their free programmes together with their collaboration (and advocation) with other agencies, they can effectively intervene and stop the cycle of abuse in families.For more information: see www.tlwv.org.nz

Looking for help? Call 0800 577003.