February 2014: “Empowerment” is one key word that Moewaka uses to describe Whānau Ora, the idea that whānau (with the support of paeārahi) are given the tools they need to plan and prioritise, gaining key skills that allow them to continue on to complete more and more of their goals.

When asked what she enjoys most about her mahi (job) she says “I love the planning, as whānau get so excited when they start to truly dream. The best part is when I see the joy on their faces because they realise that a dream, which they once thought impossible, had actually come true. It’s priceless,” she whispers.

Before coming to the Pikiao Rūnanga, Ms Trotman was working as whānau liaison in the disability sector. She is mum to eight tamariki, four of which are whangai aged between 3 and 8 and who have been with. “I understand Whānau Ora” because I live it” she happily explains.

• For more information contact Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikaio