The Midland Regional Generating Action for Families Whanau (MR GAFW)

This forum is accountable to the five DHBs through the Midland Regional Network (Midland Director) to provide strategic advice and support to key strategic developments at a national and regional level. This forum is the mandated family whanau voice of the Midland region mental health and addictions network and are responsible for consulting widely with their specific networks to ensure that the advice and support provided accurately reflects the sector that they represent.

The membership noination process has  been aligned to the district LAG (Local Advisory Group) and MAG (Maori Advisory Group) in each DHB.  Membership will reflect the diverse communities that are represented in the Midland region.

MR GAFW Terms of Reference 2010

 Generating Actions for Families Whanau - Co Chairs Hine Moeke-Murray and Sue Philipson

Susan Philipson - AOD Family Whanau Advisor, Taranaki DHB

Credentials - Four years work as Family Advisor for Alcohol and Drug Service, Taranaki DHB, – QBE (Qualified By Experience) having lived experience as mother of a daughter with alcohol addiction and MH issues.

Two years experience as MRGAFW member.

Prior to becoming involved with AOD, I spent 15 years in retail, small business retail management and running my own internet sales business from home (still current).

When my daughter first encountered her challenge with alcohol, I became involved with AOD as a family member seeking support. After about 12 months I was invited to join the A&D team in a voluntary capacity as Family Advisor. Six months later, I was offered a paid position, 0.2fte which increased to .5fte in November 2009.

Additional to my duties as Family Advisor, I also operate a weekly support and education group for Family, Whanau members.

I have a passion for family whanau issues around mental health and, particularly, addiction. My goal is to ensure the family voice is heard – loud and clear – within the service and to advocate for improved systems within the DHB, where family inclusion at all levels becomes the rule – not the exception.

My daughter’s journey with her addiction continues to keep me in touch with the issues most currently concerning families, whanau. I value that experience, along with the shared experience of those families I work with, in helping me remain relevant to the needs of family and the challenges encountered within MH&A services in our region.

On a regional level, I am honoured to represent families from AOD, lending my voice to those of the other representatives in advancing family inclusion, family participation and family rights within MH & Addiction services across the region. In working strategically across the Midland Region, I feel the future for families experiencing mental illness & addiction issues will be improved.

I am honoured to be nominated as Co-Chair for MRGAFW and look forward to any challenge the role may bring.  I am inspired by the work our members are doing in their communities and I bring passion, enthusiasm and a shared vision of hope for the families, whanau we represent.  I consider myself to be fair-minded, professional, focused and a good listener – all strengths I bring to this role.

I also bring with me the confidence of my Team Leader and Manager to fulfill the requirements of Co-Chair and I look forward to working with Hine to secure and cement the unique and valuable position MRGAFW holds in our regional network.

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Hine Moeke-Murray - Kaiarahi Cultural Assessment Team Leader and Chair Maori Advisory Group Tairawhiti, Lecturer Iwi and Hapu Studies Te Wananga o Raukawa, Co-Chair MRGAFW and member of the MR Workforce Advisor Group and Nga Purei Whakataa Ruamano.

Credentials -

• Bachelor Matauranga Maori Te Wananga o Raukawa

• Post Graduate Diploma Maori Studies and Applied Maori Mental Health Massey University

• Diploma Suicide Intervention and Prevention Anamata Wananga

• Mortality Education Consultant and Practitioner of Cultural Tangihanga

• NZQA Chairperson Whakaruruhau Unit Standards Te Ara Nunumi – Bereavement Pathways Maori

• Masters Maori and Management Te Wananga o Raukawa (current)

• Supervisor for Tikanga Maori - Cultural Safety and Engagement for staff Community Mental Health and Addictions Tairawhiti District Health

Kia ora tatou.

Ko Hikurangi te Maunga

Ko Waiapu te Awa

Ko Uepohatu te Ariki Tapaeru

Ko Uepohatu te Iwi

Ko Maui te tipuna

Ko Maui te Atua

Ko Porourangi te tangata

Ko Nga Tini o Porou - Ngati Porou whanau whanui te iwi te rohe

I am first and foremost wahine Maori, a wife, mum and grandmother. However in my other life I am the Kaiarahi – Team Leader for the Cultural Assessment Team Community Mental Health and Addictions Tairawhiti District Health Board. It is a privilege and pleasure to work for the only integrated cultural and mainstream team in Mental Health in Aotearoa that works alongside of the Psychiatric Assessment Team for all crisis and acute intervention 24/7, where kaupapa Maori intervention is valued, respected and acted on at first point of contact and assessment. I have been in this role for nearly two years. Previously I worked for Hauora Maori in General Medicine as the Kaiatawhai – Advocate for Maori inpatients at TDH. I have also worked with the Bereavement Care Team (Mortality Management Specialists) Counties Manukau District Health Board.

Returning to Gisborne after many years of living in various parts of Aotearoa has been a time of growth and development for me personally especially since entering into the arena of Mental Health and Addictions. Working alongside of whanau and Tangata Whaiora with the express role of facilitating and empowering their recovery and wellness as a whanau with their tikanga and kawa maintained is one of the highlights of working in Mental Health.

I have had many roles throughout the years and working in this environment has to be one of the most rewarding.  In terms of this role I would like to believe that I bring skills in tikanga M?ari offset of course by the role of our Kaumatua to MRGAFW for guidance, management skills, and the ability to network, succession plan and facilitate change where necessary. Also I would like to contribute to the growth and development of this group with the direction of the membership and co-chair and the mentoring of the Midlands Regional Director and team for Mental Health. 

Midland Regional Generating Action for Families Whanau Members

Cindy Lee - Manager, Supporting Families Eastern Bay of Plenty

 

Credientials
Masters Degree in Social  Work

Experience
I bring to the table a 15 year social work career where I have focused on building up people to be successful through coordinating, administrating, and developing programs & relationships to support their unique goals and needs.

I received my master degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996.  With this degree I have been fortunate to use my skills as a Social Service Manager, University Programs Manager, Social Worker in the school setting, and a Community Activist.

Skills That I Bring to the Forum
I am a big picture person.

I am very enthusiastic about  helping my  community and local services to collaborate and better work together to better serve our community (e.g. I am co-founder of a collective of social service providers called Kia Ora Eastern Bay & a school board trustee member). 

Coming from Hawai`i I bring an international perspective.

Frances Porter - Supporting Families Rotorua & Lakes Family Whanau Advisor

 

The first 14 years of my life, as the only child of a single parent with a serious mental illness shaped my knowledge that mental illnesses can never be separated from the social context; they are shaped by the social and cultural values of communities, with a direct and significant impact (both negative and positive) on family,  whanau.

My drive and passion is to ensure that family, whanau are recognized as the most important agent of influence for recovery. Responsiveness must be evident in family-inclusive services and in the provision of direct services to meet the needs of family, whanau.

 

Relevant Credentials

Relevant Employment Information

2007 – Current
Family Advisor, to Lakes DHB Mental Health Services Rotorua  and Southern Lakes DHB District

2009 – 2011
SFNZ Regional Representative – Midland DHB Branches
Waikato, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti, Taranaki and Rotorua

2003 – Current
Branch Manager, Supporting Families in Mental Illness
Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino Regions

Josie Harris - ARC Couselling Services, Taupo

Credentials
Bachelor of Alcohol and Drug Studies, Diploma in Counselling, Certificate Social work, Psychiatric Nurse. 

Registered Prac, DAPAANZ. MANZASW.

1970’s I was a qualified psychiatric nurse in England. I immigrated to New Zealand (Hastings) in 1974 were I continued nursing private, elderly, and voluntary Hospice work.

Early 1990’s saw a change in direction and work, as a social worker predominately working with women and children experiencing domestic violence, (Women’s refuge) sexual abuse and rape crisis. Established a Community Food Bank in Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino again families being a focus.

In 2000 I went back to study and attained my counselling, alcohol and drug qualification I have been a Clinical Counsellor for the last ten years

I have a strong sense of social judgment. I bring my knowledge and wisdom of working with families who are/have experienced Mental Health and alcohol, drug issues. Working within the social service sector for many years.

I am a mother to three adult children, and have three beautiful grandchildren.

1970's I was qualified psychiatric nurse in England.  I immigrated to New Zealand (Hastings) in 1974 where I continued nursing private, elder and voluntary Hospice work.

Early 1990's saw a change in direction and work, as a social worker predominately working with women and children experiencing domestic violence, (Womens Refuge) sexual abuse and rape crisis.  Established a Community Food Bank in Taupo, Turangi & Mangakino again families being a focus.

In 2000 I went back to study and attained my counselling, alcoholic and drug qualification I have been a Clinical Counsellor for the last then years.

Maureen Mildon - Supporting Families, Waikato

 

Credentials

Post Graduate Diploma Social Services Supervision (Massey University), Bachelor of Social Sciences (University Waikato).

Maureen has over thirty years experience as a social worker; twelve years with CYFs and ten years Electorate Secretary for a Member of Parliament.  Maureen is in her tenth year as a Fieldworker for Supporting Families in Mental Illness Waikato. She attends MrWAG meetings and networks with groups who hold family whanau mental health contracts with Waikato DHB.  Maureen also attends Hamilton’s ING (Integrated Network Group) and Community Waikato network meetings. Maureen has been very involved in Mental Health Awareness Week in Hamilton for a number of years.

Maureen’s community involvement includes: Work & Income Medical Appeals Board Hamilton (2010-current), COGS Hamilton Committee (2003-2005), Chair Hamilton Council of Social Services (2002-2004), Board member Catholic Family Support Services (1999-2001), NCW Child and Family Committee (1998-2005). 

Maureen’s interests are family, politics, film, music and finding the time to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Janice Allen - Supporting Families, Tairawhiti

 

An extensive networking background within the Tairawhiti region has been advantageous to working alongside SF families, whanau; knowing just the right person(s) has been a positive feature towards making a difference.  I have been privileged to share many journeys, family members and carers continue to be my greatest guides and teachers.  They provide ongoing motivation to continue to seek better ways of working for improved outcomes and to educate others about mental illness.  One of the rewards of living in our small community has been the ability to work closely alongside those who support tangata whai ora; this inclusiveness is invaluable.

My introduction to mental illness is parallel to many who grew up with relatives who were ‘different’ and sometimes talked about in hushed tones within the family.  As my own family entered adulthood, we were suddenly thrust into the world of acute psychiatric care when more than one family member became unwell.  Simultaneously I was studying towards a counselling qualification; this proved to be very helpful towards gaining an understanding of how to support others through difficult times.

Prior to coming to SF I had been involved in a wide range of community services.  I served as secretary for the Tairawhiti Regional Health Ethics Committee, Secretary and Executive Member Council of Social Services, Board Member Gisborne Volunteer Centre, Member Polytech Advisory Committee (Social Services, Social Sciences) plus acted as Coordinator for the local Toughlove Group; useful training to learn about the value of peer support.  I also coordinated local body political candidate forums. Other work roles included administration and retail. I have been a member of the Tairawhiti Local Advisory Group since its inception.   I am also a Member of the Tairawhiti Abuse Intervention Network.

Relevant education includes: Counselling Skills, Psychiatric Disability (Massey), General & Applied Psychology, a range of Treaty of Waitangi and Tikanga training, Lifeline Listening Skills, Certificates – Management/Professional Development, Human Rights, Family Therapy Foundation, Grief and Loss,  extensive mental illness education including psychoeducational training in the management of major mental illness.

 My contribution to MRGAFW is about sharing our collective wisdom; focus on keeping our aims in line with the needs of those families, whanau affected by mental illness.  With current pressures on resources I bring a desire to foster a recovery focused environment that helps families, whanau build resilience for the future.

Lybian Moeke –Kaiawhina for the Cultural Assessment Team at Tairawhiti District Health, Whanau, Hapu representative for Tairawhiti, a member of the Maori Advisory Group Tairawhiti.

 

Credentials

Kia ora tatou.

Ko Hikurangi te Maunga

Ko Waiapu te Awa

Ko Matahi o te Tau te Marae

Ko te Whanau a Hunaara te Hapu

Ko Ruawaipu, Ko Ngati Porou nga Iwi

I have been married for 34 years we have 7 children and 16 grandchildren. They are the most important people in my life.  I have a holistic view to the wellbeing of my whanau, hapu, iwi, my community and my country. Wairua is an integral component to the well being of whanau.  I believe that it is a collective responsibility approach that is needed to enhance the wellbeing of our whanau and families.  I have instructed women in self reliance techniques such as budgeting and managing resources, prepared work meetings for family, home and personal enrichment activities, structured visiting teaching program, organised programs for children ages 18 months to 11 years old, planned youth programs, integrated special needs students into mainstream classes, prearranged meetings with parents and teachers to support students with various activities and advocated on their behalf when assisting students to enhance their learning by pursuing their environment fitted to their abilities.

 

Tau Moeke - MRGAFW Kaumatua

 

Tena Koutou katoa

Ko Tau Korea Moeke toku ingoa 
Ko Operu me Kahuitara nga Maunga
Ko Reporua me Makatote nga Awa
Ko Ngati Rangi me Te Aitanga a Mate nga Hapu
Ko Ngati Uepohatu me Ngati Porou nga Iwi

I was educated in the East Coast and Gisborne District. I worked in the Meat Industry for 26 years and then up skilled at Waikato University.

 

My role as kaumatua with MRGAFW is to assist, to contribute and educate those members of the Midland Regional Generating Action for Families Whanau Committee, the conditions of tikanga, kawa, and te reo in their practices. By ensuring that these practices are adhered to by all and for all concerned will help those in the Committee to deliver effective services.

As my immediate family are most paramount in my life my emphasis will be to make an effort to identify and embrace new ways and processes to ensure that the wh?nau will be the centre of all considerations.

No reira e nga iwi e nga mana e nga reo. Noho ora mai kouotu i roto i o koutou Kainga Oranga. Kia tae mai te wa ka tutaki ai tatou.

 

Naku Noa
Tau Moeke

More Members

 

Elayne Tangitu
SF Eastern BOP		 Trish Thobis
SF Western BOP		 Sally Duncan
SF Western BOP

 

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             Missy Katipa
          Waikato District		         Blossom Stewart
            SF Tairawhiti