I affiliate to and am a member of six of the seven papatipu rūnaka in the Otago / Southland region; Ōtākou, Puketeraki, Awarua, Waihopai, Hokonui and Oraka/Aparima. 

I have been extensively involved in the Māori health, mental health, education and justice sectors for more than 25 years, working in a number of different roles as a Māori Alcohol and Drug Clinician and tutor, before moving into Public and NGO management roles. 

From 1994 to 1997, I managed the Taha Māori programme at Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs before moving to the Community AOD Service in Christchurch. It was here where I helped establish a Whānau Clinic for Māori clients and a Māori Methadone programme. 

I also have extensive governance experience and was recently appointed to the Whānau Ora Independent Reference Group. I have also served terms on the boards of the Southern and Canterbury District Health Boards, the Canterbury Community Trust and Ngāi Tahu’s Health and Social Service agency He Oranga Pounamu. I was also the Senior Māori Advisor to the National Addiction Centre which sits within the University of Otago.  

Before my current role as Director of Māori Development, at Otago University, I was based in Wellington as General Manager of Strategic Operations for the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC).