INTRODUCING JESSICA APANUI
Passionate About Inspiring Others
Jess is a passionate advocate for transforming the approach to addiction in Aotearoa. With a bold voice and a deliberate mission, she has made it her life's work to reshape the narrative surrounding addiction, using her own experiences as a powerful catalyst for change. Through her openness and authenticity, Jess empowers individuals to thrive, fostering resilience and encouraging cultural reconnection.
As a dedicated leader, Jess is widely recognised for her unwavering commitment to the addiction workforce and recovery community in Aotearoa. Since beginning her career in health in 2021, she has quickly ascended to key roles within central government, where she continues to influence the national health sector.
Jess brings a wealth of expertise to her work, including public speaking, networking, relational engagement, project management, procurement, program design, and facilitation. Her knowledge extends to areas such as methamphetamine education, gambling harm prevention, research and evaluation, governance, and culturally grounded pathways that prioritize the wellbeing of Māori whānau.
Outside of her professional endeavours, Jess cherishes time spent with her whānau, watching the mokopuna in her whanau grow, and enjoying quality moments with her Tamariki. Her commitment to both community and family is at the heart of everything she does.