September 2017: With just over a month in the new role, she has previously worked for Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence, Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho-Ake Trust with the Māori and Pasifika trade training and Te Waiariki Purea Trust.

I am one of the faces that delivers programmes to families. I go in and kōrero about what their aspirations, goals and dreams are and we put in a plan about how that would look and how best we can help the family,” Lorraine (Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi, Tainui) says.

“I enjoy helping to meet the different needs of each whānau who comes in. When they walk off the street, we don’t know what they have got on their shoulders. Working with them, sitting with them, listening and going through a process with them with regards to how can we best work with them to meet their needs.”

“We have supported and assisted whānau to solve some challenges to ensure they have a healthy and warm whare for their whānau”.

The mother of four says she has many hopes and aspirations for her clients.

“What I’m hoping to achieve is planting the seed in regards to allowing our families to take hold of their plans and make their dreams a reality. Not always saying, ‘Here, here, here,’ but just guiding them. Instilling in them that they have the abilities to make these changes.”