What do you do in your role?
This role in the organisation enables me to guide the transfer and application of universal values that are nurtured on home-ground. It is the same for all staff with Tuwharetoa Health, every member comes with their own personal values ahakoa ko wai, no hea…we support and develop each other.
Our organisation’s values include manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and huhuatanga. It is these values that drive kaimahi best practise and service for whanau in the community and Tuwharetoa rohe.
What do you like about your role?
I have always been attracted to roles where I am a medium or where I can influence change and transformation of individuals and whanau, just making life easier to get through means a lot to many people.
This is especially important at times like this, where there is increased uncertainty, such as with COVID-19. A physical presence helps to bring certainty and lessen the fears, anxiety and worry that some of our whanau are experiencing right now.
How long have you been with Tuwharetoa Health?
I started with Tuwharetoa Health in 2010 as Kaitoko Whanau, this was a pilot for Whanau Ora and the development of whanau plans. I was then the Team Leader for Home Based Support Services, and later a navigator for Whanau Ora. At the beginning of 2021 I was appointed as Pou Herenga for Tuwharetoa Health. Being a cultural advisor to staff who are from other cultures has taught me to be diverse in providing guidance within Te Ao Maori/Tikanga Maori. The main focus and intent however, is to keep staff culturally safe and to maintain cultural integrity with the whanau and community that we serve.
What made you choose to work in hauora?
My first role with the organisation came at a time when I was looking for full-time mahi.
I was at an age where I wanted full-time employment and financial independence. Living alone I realised that I needed to look after my personal health as well as maintain an independent lifestyle that I enjoy.
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