Michelle is born and bred in Auckland and has a passion for mental health. Having had her own lived experience with distress and accessing services, she spent six years improving mental health services across Auckland before joining the Ko Awatea Research and Evaluation Office as a healthcare evaluator. During her time in mental health, she won national and international awards, and has been recognised as a young leader in her field.
Michelle is enthusiastic about meaningful systemic change, where services are best at meeting people’s needs in the real world. She believes diversity of experience, genuine community engagement, and a culture of excellence are required for sustainable health system improvement. She is a strong advocate and ally for Auckland’s diverse communities, and strives to amplify their voices.
As part of her role on the board at ADHB, Michelle sits on the Hospital Advisory Committee, the Disability Support Advisory Committee, and the Starship Foundation. Her area of special interest for board matters is primary care.
Michelle has a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management endorsed with Distinction, an Honours degree in theoretical Linguistics, and has studied five second-languages at tertiary level. In her spare time, she is heavily involved in community and independent theatre. She is most excited by directing and producing creative pieces of high artistic quality, underpinned by a process inspired by youth development, community development, and devising. She also volunteers on the Affinity Youth Advisory Group and various other youth- and wellbeing-related causes.
Contact details
You can contact her at [email protected], 0224145112, or at https://www.facebook.com/
I don’t know you Michelle but I know 7 people at this address who are voting for you.
Personally I love the Maori greeting you open your with narrative with – It appeals to me as a Maori (Thank You) and I have also experienced Mental Health issue’s in my past and your work toward addressing these issue’s are greatly appreciated – Thank You
Vote Michelle Atkinson (1) and City Vision ( 2 – 7 ) Kia Ora
Kia ora e hoa,
I just saw you comment – thank you so much. It means a lot to think that there are people I haven’t met yet who support me! I have learnt a tiny bit of Te Reo and try to use it where I can. Thanks for your support and all the best to you and yours.
Cheers
Michelle Atkinson