Fakaalofa lahi atu, I'm Laura Tongalea-Nolan, a first generation NZ-born Niuean mental health and addictions specialist based in Tauranga. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across a range of settings—primary and secondary care, forensic, kaupapa Māori, Pasifika, and mainstream services—supporting individuals and whānau to navigate alcohol and other drug challenges in ways that are culturally grounded and empowering. My practice is driven by a deep belief in the strength of community, connection, and cultural identity as foundations for wellbeing.

My academic journey led me to explore the intersection of culture and recovery through my master’s research at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). My study, “Twelve steps and talanoa: An exploratory study of the experiences of Pacific peoples in New Zealand Twelve Step Programmes,” was published in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse and examines how Pacific values—such as spirituality, communal belonging, and talanoa (open dialogue)—align with and challenge the traditional Twelve Step recovery model.

I also founded Here Today, a boutique consultancy offering professional supervision and workforce development with a focus on people working in the alcohol and drug sector. My work extends to governance and sector leadership—serving as Co-Chair of the Drua Pasifika Addictions Network, a member of the National Committee for Addiction Treatment, and a Board Member of the New Zealand Drug Foundation.

I am also a Research Assistant for Mapu Maia, the national Pacific mental health and gambling harm prevention organisation in Ōtautahi, Pōneke, Hawkes Bay, and Tāmaki Makaurau.

I recently had the privilege of being invited by Pasifika in the Bay Trust to speak with Tauranga’s Rising Hibiscus students, sharing insights on mental health, anxiety, and wellbeing from a Pasifika perspective—something that keeps me connected to the next generation of leaders and changemakers.