Kō Te Aupouri kō Te Atiawa kō Ngati Tama ngā iwi
Over the past 20 years my work has focused on work in the community in social service roles and supporting families and youth towards positive outcomes.
I worked at AUT University as an Account Manager for the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences where I was part of a team that managed strategic partnerships with industry partners.
At the Ministry of Education as a Senior Advisor and Youth Advocate for Education in the youth justice court I supported the Family Group Conference process in identifying support back to education and other alternative pathways.
I have worked as a Restorative Justice facilitator in Family Violence, and the RMA Environmental Courts, WorkSafeNZ accidents and loss of life conferences.
Prior to managing TMRJT I was the Programme Manager and a facilitator of a Men’s Non-violence programme; counselling clients and working one to one in individual programme sessions. The work with men in non-violence programmes gave them an understanding of how conflict situations and power and control dynamics can lead to abuse and violence.
I’m fortunate that aspects of tikanga Māori have always been present in my work and across my whanau. For me it is an important aspect of my whakapapa and learning Te Reo is a lifelong journey for me. Speaking Te reo Māori was not a part of my generations’ childhood but I’m grateful to hear my mokopuna speak in te reo Māori.
If I was to hope to achieve something in this role, it would be that our community is better informed of the benefits of participating in restorative meetings.
I am in this work to support those harmed, to be able to have honest and open and courageous conversations without prejudice.
For those that have caused harm, to want to hear the impacts of their actions and how they can take responsibility appropriate to the events. If this were to happen we could reduce the chance of recidivist offending behaviours.
E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not as an individual but as a collective.