It is with immense respect and gratitude that we announce the resignation of Chief Executive Leaupepe Rachel Drent, after eight impactful years of leadership at K’aute Pasifika. Her resignation will take effect at the end of March 2025.
It is with immense respect and gratitude that we announce the resignation of Chief Executive Leaupepe Rachel Drent, after eight impactful years of leadership at K’aute Pasifika. Her resignation will take effect at the end of March 2025.
Rachel’s tenure has been marked by exceptional growth and accomplishment, elevating K’aute Pasifika as a cornerstone of Pacific wellbeing, culture, and community in Waikato. Her leadership, enabled and supported by the incredible dedication of the K’aute Pasifika board, staff, and key partners, has created opportunities to improve health, wellbeing, and connection.
K’aute Pasifika is now a national model, demonstrating how culturally centred, community-driven initiatives can transform healthcare and social services to uplift Pacific communities across Aotearoa.
Under Rachel’s guidance, K’aute Pasifika has expanded vital services, enhancing accessibility for Pacific families throughout Waikato. Key developments include the opening of the purpose-built K’aute Pasifika Village which houses holistic community support programmes including:
To support greater service offerings, the K’aute Pasifika team has now grown from fewer than 20 to nearly 70 staff, and empowering Pacific people to develop new skills, grow into new roles and achieve their potential.
Early Learning Centre
A milestone under Rachel’s leadership was the opening of the K’aute Pasifika Early Learning Centre (ELC) in April 2023. Based at the K’aute Pasifika Village, this unique facility provides a nurturing environment infused with Pacific languages, cultures, and Christian values, offering children a foundation of cultural security and belonging.
K’aute Pasifika Village Fale
A further achievement during Rachel’s tenure is the opening of the vibrant Village Fale, a large and flexible events space. This beautiful, purpose-built facility reflects different Pacific meeting house designs and is now open for corporate, sports, and community event bookings. Any profits made will go towards supporting the cultural, social, and economic vitality of our Pasifika communities.
COVID-19 Response to Ensure Safety of Waikato Pasifika Families
Rachel’s compassion and resilience shone during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of the K’aute Pasifika team, she led critical outreach, testing, vaccination, and support services, ensuring the safety of Waikato’s Pacific families during this challenging time.
Partnerships and Advocacy
Throughout her time as Chief Executive, Rachel has championed Pacific voices in policy discussions, advocating for equitable healthcare, education, and community planning that reflect the unique perspectives and needs of Pacific communities. K’aute Pasifika’s relationships with key stakeholders have been strengthened, fostering growth, and raising the visibility of Pacific voices and needs in Waikato and beyond.
Most notably this year, through a groundbreaking partnership with Pinnacle, K’aute Pasifika acquired the Hamilton East Medical Centre, expanding sustainable healthcare options for Pacific communities.
These accomplishments reflect not only Rachel’s leadership but the collective efforts of K’aute Pasifika’s dedicated board, staff, and partners. Together, they have established a solid foundation for continued impact, demonstrating what is possible when Pacific values and collaboration support every decision.
Rachel’s legacy leaves fresh opportunities and inspiration for future growth. Details of the search for K’aute Pasifika’s next Chief Executive will follow. In the meantime, we express our deepest gratitude to Rachel for her dedication and enduring contributions to Pacific wellbeing.
🙏 Fa'afetai Rachel 🙏 You are an example for us all on how to “tautua nei, mo se taeao manuia” – serve today for a better tomorrow.
