Tēnā koutou,
My name is Layla Christison, and I am currently in the process of completing my third and final year in a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Auckland. I come from a big family in Te Matau-a-Māui, where I was born and raised – spending a lot of time outdoors and on football fields.
My area of passion is health system development at the policy level, particularly in the areas of environmental health, advocacy, equity and sociocultural welfare. As health is a very politicised area of the public sector, I also have a vested interest in our past, present and future political environments – including their influence on population health.
I formally played football for the central north island region, volunteered as a surf lifeguard at Ocean Beach Kiwi and served as Head Girl and Student BOT Representative at William Colenso College (2020). I am an avid lover of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, snow sports, game hunting and swimming throughout the year.
The Pinnacle Programme provides me an excellent support network with various resources catered to leadership development and professional advisory networks. I feel privileged and proud to be part of programme that is future positive and understands the importance of investment in Aotearoa’s youth.
Ngā mihi ana.