Anaru Para

Anaru Para (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi) began his professional career with New Zealand Police, where he gained valuable insight into the complex social, cultural and economic challenges experienced by individuals, whānau and communities.

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Driven by a desire to better understand these challenges and contribute to solutions that create meaningful and lasting change, and guided by lived experience, Anaru chose to pursue a degree in Psychology, Public Policy and Te Reo Māori.

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Throughout his career, Anaru has worked on the frontline of mental health support, walking alongside people experiencing significant vulnerability and distress.

 

This experience gave him a profound understanding of the importance of compassionate, culturally responsive and person-centred support. It also strengthened his belief that effective services must recognise the whole person, uphold their dignity and respond to the interconnected factors that influence wellbeing.

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Anaru has extensive experience in establishing, developing and managing social support services. This includes reintegration services supporting tāne as they transition from prison back into their whānau and communities, as well as housing services that combine safe, secure accommodation with comprehensive wraparound support.

 

His work has been guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā, recognising that lasting wellbeing is strengthened when taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whānau and taha wairua are supported together.

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As General Manager Operations at He Herenga Kura, Anaru brings a wealth of practical experience, strategic insight, and service development expertise to the role.