From Burnout to Balance: How Pauline Fonoifua Found Her Spark Again with the Future-Ready Wellbeing Programme

In the hustle of a busy worksite, where deadlines are tight and stress is part of the job, it’s easy to put your own wellbeing last. But for Pauline Fonoifua, a former Induction and Training Coordinator at Link Alliance, that all changed after she took part in the Future-Ready Wellbeing Programme delivered by Zeducation and funded by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

“Before the course, I’d come to work already stressed—and take that stress home,” Pauline reflected. “But now? My parents are saying, ‘You look a lot happier these days.’ That kind of feedback means everything to me.”

The Future-Ready Wellbeing Programme was designed to upskill and support Auckland’s Pacific workforce by equipping participants with tools to manage their wellbeing—both on and off the job. For Pauline, the experience was eye-opening.

“Some of the highlights I really enjoyed were setting achievable goals,” she said. “Whether it was going to the gym, eating healthy, or just taking a walk around the block during breaks—it made me realise I could look after my wellbeing at work as well as at home.”

Small changes led to big shifts. Pauline became more present, more patient, and more self-aware. The transformation didn’t go unnoticed.

“I used to get mad easily because I was always under pressure. But now, even my family notices a difference. I’m calmer. Happier.”

Pauline’s story is a powerful example of why wellbeing in the workplace matters—and how investing in people leads to lasting change. Through her leadership and personal growth, she’s helping to shape a healthier, more resilient workforce.

This success is part of the wider mission of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Zeducation: empowering Pasifika workers to thrive—not just survive—in their roles, their homes, and their communities.

“This course helped me so much mentally. It really changed me.”

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Why Investing in Staff Wellbeing Matters for Employers

Pauline’s experience underscores a broader truth: when employers invest in their staff's wellbeing, the returns are significant—not just for individuals, but for organizations as a whole.

Consider these insights from recent New Zealand data:

• 60% of workers reported experiencing work-related stress in 2023.

  
  

• 31% experienced work-related anxiety, and 20% reported work-related depression.

  
  

• In 2020, New Zealand lost 7.3 million working days due to work absence, costing the economy $1.85 billion.

  
  

• High workloads double the odds of psychological distress and triple the likelihood of employees intending to leave their jobs within six months.

  
  

These statistics highlight the tangible impact of workplace stress on both employee health and organisational productivity.

By implementing wellbeing initiatives like the Future-Ready Wellbeing Programme, employers can foster a more engaged, resilient, and productive workforce. Such programs not only enhance individual health but also contribute to reduced absenteeism, lower turnover rates, and improved overall performance.

Investing in staff wellbeing is not just a compassionate choice—it's a strategic imperative for sustainable business success.

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Contact us for more information about our wellbeing programmes: Contact us here