Tara Moala
If you work or live in Tāmaki you probably know of Tara Moala. Tara is the founder and lead practitioner at Rākau Tautoko, a collective of practitioners working in community development that build engagement and empowerment. Tara began as a social worker in Tāmaki in 2005, and in 2011 she did the Community Readiness research that informed the development of the HEART Movement. Not long after that she was invited by the former coordinator of HEART, Cristy Trewartha to become a Change Agent.
When asked about the Change Agents Tara expresses her commitment and aroha for the kaupapa. She says themes of togetherness, inspiration and support are strong amongst the Change Agents.This is especially evident at the Women’s Koru group which she co-facilitates, “it is a safe way to start... start learning about yourself first. It has become a place to hear other people’s stories, as well as a place to learn.”
Tara has been an active member of HEART running many events and initiatives over the years. Highlights include HEART community BBQ’s and the HEART Parenting initiative that created some strong evidence around what it's like to parent in Tāmaki and how we can support our parents to grow. Her involvement with HEART is impressive, but she remains humble. She acknowledges the people who are making changes in their own whānau as a result of HEART conversations or trainings.
The HEART trainings are responsive to issues highlighted by community practitioners, she says this “makes you feel you are heard and validated” in your role. This reciprocity underpins the strong relationship between Rākau Tautoko and HEART. On a personal level the HEART trainings have helped her own relationships, she has drawn on her learnings to consciously make decisions and to connect. She says “healthy relationships are not perfect, it is a consciousness to have the best connections with those around you”. This kaupapa sums up Tara well, always striving, always honest and working for the best outcome for everyone. Tara works hard for the community and wears her HEART on her sleeve in more ways than one.