Rochelle Francis is feeling pretty lucky right now. 

She has just started a new role as a Systems Innovator with Active Southland’s Healthy Families Invercargill team, a role which combines pretty much all the things she’s passionate about – community wellbeing, creating a sustainable food system, and helping people connect. 

“This role was a bit of a dream come true, a kind of pinch myself moment.” 

“I am really passionate about the wellbeing of my community and because of that I have gravitated towards jobs where I can be involved in bringing about positive change. I love people and talking to people and hearing their stories and their perspectives. That has meant I am not suited to a job that’s just about pushing paper across a desk. I want to be able to help people with their big goals.” 

Being out in the community, connecting people, hearing their voice, and using that to influence change at systems level, is exactly what she is suited for. 

“That’s me all over.” 

A large part of her role will be continuing the mahi that has been started by the Healthy Families Invercargill team in the kai space, something the former Green Party candidate is eager to get started on. 

“Food is not just about fuel for our bodies, it’s something that we share with others in the community. Throughout history and across all cultures the sharing of food is a way that we commune and share spaces and bond. It’s also the way that we connect with nature. The understanding of how the natural environment produces food that sustains us I believe motivates us to want to care for our planet.” 

In her spare time (when she’s not learning about setting up community and market gardens or enjoying neighbourhood street parties and gatherings), Rochelle loves to play music, particularly as part of her newly formed band Cassette Wreck where she sings lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar, the saxophone, and tambourine. 

She also loves spending time with her “beautiful” blended family, including her husband and their children. 

“I have always tried to pick jobs where I still get to have time with them and find a nice balance.” 

Article added: Friday 23 July 2021