I was born in the Wairarapa and still call that home.

I have been involved in Peer Support with Piki since January 2019 as a Peer Support Worker, and now as Service Manager.

My Lived Experience of Depression, GAD and PTSD has seen me head on some intense journeys, however I am very privileged to have been on this journey and now be on a journey to be able to support others on a similar path by saying I hear you, I have felt what you are feeling, and I am here to walk alongside you, with you not for you.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, and being in my own safe space, pottering around.

I was born, raised, and live in the Hutt Valley.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work, but it is personal experience that brings me to this Peer Support role.

For most of my adult life I have struggled with depression, anxiety, possibly bi-polar, and, as of recently, ADHD. I have also had to face up to traumatic life events. I have seen professionals, including my GP, who has been a great help, psychologists, and psychiatrists, to support me to live my best life.

Life can be a challenging and lonely place, but it is also an incredible experience. I like to try and find the best out of bad situations, and use these to grow, to learn, and to keep moving forward.

I am personable, empathetic, and want to do whatever I can to support people to reach their well-being goals.

I am a father to an amazing eight-year-old son - I love watching him learn, grow, and find his way in the world.

In my spare time I like getting outdoors for bush walks, playing squash, learning to run, and watching my son play sport and helping where I can. I also enjoy going to the gym, reading, personal development, as well as being an avid supporter of cricket and rugby.

I am here to support you on your journey however I can.

Kia ora e hoa mā, I am a young wahine Māori who has been living in Pōneke (Wellington) for the last 4 years. I grew up in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and Ōtepoti (Dunedin) but moved up here to the capital city to study Psychology, Criminology and Te Reo Māori at Te Herenga Waka (VUW).

I joined the Piki whānau at the start of 2024 as I loved the idea of being able to dig out the tools in my kete that I have learnt along the way of my own Lived Experience of anxiety, anorexia and PTSD and share them with others who may be experiencing similar situations. I feel empowered by those difficult situations I have experienced, and I would love to be part of someone else’s journey of finding that same feeling.

The ocean is my tūrangawaewae and so I am at the beach any opportunity that I get! I also love cooking delicious kai and sharing it with my whānau and friends, listening to music, and snuggling up on the couch with a film.

I have recently made the move to Pōneke after growing up, and studying psychology and education, in Tāmaki.

My passions lye in the field of mental health and addiction, I feel very privileged to be able to weave that into my mahi through Peer Support with Piki.

I have lived experience of depression, anxiety disorder, ADHD, and PTSD which has led me to face massive challenges from a young age. It has given me insight into what it is like to struggle with mental health, which I have treated as a blessing in disguise; I am now able to work alongside Peers and provide reassurance and validation as we navigate and work through goals together.

I also understand what it is like to struggle with identity alongside mental health challenges. Through this, I aspire to create a space where youth can explore themselves freely.

The beach is my happy place, I’m often found by the water with a sketchbook, I also love spending time with my whānau and soaking up the sun on our balcony!

I was born here in Wellington and have lived here for most of my life.

I have been with Piki as a Peer Supporter since 2021, and it has been and amazing privilege to walk alongside others for a part of their journey.

This Mahi has been a huge inspiration for me to go back to university to get my BSC in Psychology and Māori Science, as well as to train further in advocacy.

I have lived experience with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and ADHD, as well as having supported loved ones through mental distress (namely Anorexia). My journey has taken me through a lot of things, and whilst it has been challenging, it has also provided many opportunities for growth and learning. I have also been on the receiving end of peer support and having some amazing Peer supporters walk alongside me was a massive part of my journey, as such I’m a huge believer in the Peer support model.

I love doing a wide range of things, from walking or running around some of Wellington’s amazing trails, riding motorbikes, training Muay Thai, to connecting with friends, or having cozy day indoors either listening to or playing music.

I was born and raise in the beautiful Hutt Valley and am lucky enough to still call this home and now raise my little whānau there too. I whakapapa to the beautiful Cook Islands and the Te Tai Rawhiti region. I have recently started as a Peer Support worker but have always been a huge advocate for our rangatahi especially within mental health.

My lived experience of depression and anxiety has seen me through many rough days, months and even years but I am so blessed that I was able to come out on the other side. Now I find myself in a position where I can support our rangatahi on their own journey. Through my experiences I can offer support and walk beside you and be there on the good days and the bad and all the days in between!

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my whānau and friends and have recently taught myself how to crochet! Over the summer I often find myself at the beach and in the winter cozied up on the couch.