I was born in St Helens Hospital in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)
I have lived most of my life in the Far North on both sides of the Hokianga: between
my Tupuna with my parents.
I met my late husband in 1973 and married in 1978. We have three tamariki , eight
mokopuna and four great mokopuna. I currently live in Kaitaia.
I returned to the Far North in early 2000, having accepted the Mantel, Mandate and
responsibilities of my Hapu, Whanau and Iwi as a Clinical Practitioner of over 21
years’ experience in Private Practice (ACC Reg Māori Therapist) specialising in
sexual abuse and complex trauma of which I am a survivor. This included North and
South Hokianga.
My background stemmed from Community Voluntary work, moving to Manurewa
Clendon to start as a Social Worker for 7yrs, Salvation Army’s first Māori National
Convenor: eventually training as a Counsellor moving into Family Therapy,
Completing 4 years in Alcohol & Drug Counselling, Kaupapa Māori – (Poneke) and
Te Unga Waka Marae (Auckland – University).
I believe that Te Tiriti O Waitangi is the living document of Aotearoa as is the
document of He Whakaputanga of the Confederated Chiefs and Tribes of Aotearoa. It
is their Declaration of Independence and Absolute Sovereignty of Aotearoa.
I am passionate about my role as Kaitiaki for the wellbeing and responsibilities for
my people. Therefore I am committed to what I believe is my calling to work
alongside Colleagues and Peers alike to Encourage, Support, Educate and Advise in
my role as ACC Cultural Advisor. I Encourage the principles of our Treaty to work in
PARTNERSHIP, PARTICIPATION AND PROTECTION of and for all Cultures.
With your kete and my kete whariki (Interwoven) we become one
Nga manaakitanga mo ake nga tangata koutou katoa.