Drug Foundation welcomes new staff, farewells others

Newly-appointed staff members, Office Manager Tanya Cook and Communications and Marketing Director Hayden Eastmond-Mein, are being welcomed into the team this month.

Tanya Cook (Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi, Ngāti Kahungungu and Ngāti Ruanui) comes to the Drug Foundation with a long history in the sector, most recently in Te Pou and prior to that Matua Raki.

She brings her strong network connections and a passion for developing equity and improving health outcomes for Māori, tāngata whai ora, rangatahi and their whānau.  Tanya has over 15 years experience in admin, and can kōrero Māori.

Hayden Eastmond-Mein is a communications and marketing all-rounder, with experience across political campaigning, local government, the union movement and the arts.

Most recently he was Head of Communications at NZEI Te Riu Roa. Over the last 15 years Hayden has worked for a number of organisations and causes he believes in, which he says makes the Drug Foundation an ideal home.

"I'm really excited to be joining the smart and passionate whānau at the Drug Foundation at what feels like a time of real potential for policy change in Aotearoa. A big part of the foundation's mahi is changing the conversation around drugs, so I'm looking forward to contributing my communications and campaigning experience to that mission and learning a heap along the way."

Meanwhile we have just farewelled long-standing Communications Manager Stephen Blyth, who recently moved on to a new and exciting position in the Ministry of Primary Industries.

Stephen made a huge contribution over his many years of service and was a valued member of the team. Executive Director Sarah Helm said: “We are really pleased for Stephen, and we already miss him.”

This week, Eugene Carnachan will also finish up as Communications and Marketing Coordinator following a change in a funding arrangement with partner Te Rau Ora. And Samuel Andrews has accepted a permanent position into a role at the Ministry of Health. Samuel has been on secondment this year.