This month AuSAE welcomes Siobhan Molloy of Agencies for Nutrition Action (New Zealand) as our Member in Focus. Siobhan recently spoke with AuSAE about her role, changes and challenges at Nutrition Action and exciting projects underway for the organisation.
How did you first become involved with Agencies for Nutrition Action?
With over ten years at the helm of Occupational Therapy New Zealand, I was seeking a new challenge and the role of executive director for Agencies for Nutrition Action – Ngā Takawaenga Hāpai Kai Hauora (ANA) seemed a perfect opportunity. I loved the challenge of reframing my view of health from the familiar personal health model to public health. Learning about the values and strategies that underpin health promotion has been a rewarding journey.
I found that health promotion was not simply education, or telling people what to do, but it is much bigger than this. There are many ways that people’s health and wellbeing can be improved through policy, environmental or personal changes – and usually a combination of strategies is most effective.
Can you share how the organisation came about and the benefits it presents to its members, and the wider public health workforce?
ANA was conceived in 1992 by our founding members, the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Te Hotu Manawa Māori (now Toi Tangata), Diabetes New Zealand, Dietitians New Zealand and the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation. These national organisations have a common interest in improving the health and wellness of New Zealanders and saw an opportunity to collaborate, share their resources and strengthen their voice on public health nutrition issues. Since then, ANA has added the promotion of physical activity to its mandate. The founding members have been joined by The Asian Network Inc, Stroke Foundation, Home Economics and Technology Teachers Association of NZ, New Zealand Recreation Association, Pacific Island Food and Nutrition Action Group, Kidney Health New Zealand and the Asthma + Respiratory Foundation NZ.
ANA connects people and organisations to the cause of improving the nation’s nutrition and increasing physical activity. We do this by informing, engaging, mobilising and linking people to each other and to research, resources and knowledge through our member organisations and through our now extensive database of professionals working to promote healthy eating and physical activity in their communities.
What exciting projects are underway at Agencies for Nutrition Action?
ANA is engaged with the Ministry of Health’s Childhood Obesity Plan and recently took the opportunity to submit on the review of the Advertising Standards Authority Code for Advertising to Children and the Children’s Code for Advertising Food. This review was an opportunity for members to review the unequivocal evidence that the marketing of unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic beverages is related to childhood obesity.
This year we are running a series of regional professional development forums for the public health nutrition and physical activity workforce. These biennial forums are growing in reputation and are increasingly in demand. The opportunities offered are about learning about new initiatives, sharing information and making new connections with organisations and others working in like fields. Participants come from a broad range of organisations and sectors including regional sports trusts, NGOs, schools, district health boards, universities and local authorities.
A highlight for 2017 will be our delivery of New Zealand’s only national nutrition and physical activity conference. Participation increased by 50% at the last conference, so we are very excited to begin our planning with such a buoyant sector. Providing a positive experience that leaves our delegates feeling refreshed and inspired is our primary aim.
What would you say to someone starting out in the not-for-profit sector with a view to become a future leader?
Just do it. Most of us do not arrive in a leadership position with all the competencies and skills well honed. We use our passion and self-motivation to make the connections we need, take opportunities as they arise and surround ourselves with people who can contribute their skills and expertise.
Step up. Seek any opportunity that will foster leadership skills whether in work or out. Volunteer in a professional body or local school board.
Seek support. For me key supports along the way have included a peer mentoring group with people in like roles; having GOOGLE as my best friend; taking advantage of the resources and networking opportunities through AuSAE and similar professional bodies, and a willingness to learn, make mistakes and laugh. You don’t have to know it all.
Siobhan can be followed on LinkedIn.
