Ko Manaia te Maunga
Ko Whangārei Terenga Paraora te Moana
Ko Te Tawera, Ko Patuharakeke ngā hapū
Ko Ngāti Pūkenga ki Pakikaikutu, Ko Ngāpuhi ngā iwi
Ko RuruHana ahau/I’m RuruHana
No Whangārei ki Te Tai Tokerau/From Whangārei in Northland
Kia ora Koutou Katoa/Be Well You All

I’m the FASD-CAN Navigator for Northland.

I became FASD-aware during a half-day training with Rose Hawkins who introduced some of the most common signs of FASD. I realised then that I had a very personal connection with these disorders. I’m committed to growing my knowledge about the many forms of alcohol harm experienced by individuals and whānau in Aotearoa. With that knowledge I want to help others grow their own awareness, accessing best supports and care with aroha/compassion for the ‘neuro-different’.

My husband Dennis and I have been caregivers for Oranga Tamariki for 12 years with tamariki who have an FASD diagnosis. We no longer take other people’s children but we do support our own adult children to raise their tamariki (our mokopuna). We’re always busy between Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and Ahipara in the Far North... and we love being out on the moana and growing our own kai.

I served the public in Ministry of Justice roles for almost 20 years prior to taking a part-time role with Caring Families Aotearoa who support whāngai/foster caregivers and provide training in brain-based approaches to healing trauma and caring with Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy, PACE.

Tiheiwa Mauri Ora.