Lucy Rio - Hepatitis Foundation Maori Engagement Co-ordinator
Whakapapa – Taranaki – Ngā Rauru, Aitutaki – Cook Islands.
Born and raised in the heart of Tūhoe. Tāneatua, Waimana
Lucy took on the newly created Māori Engagement Co-ordinator this year. The role was identified by the foundation as imperative to be able to engage and collaborate with Health Providers and Iwi Authorities to deliver the service provided by The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand.
With a work plan established, Lucy was able to start with a blank canvas as to how to approach the role. Quickly she identified her goal was “to improve our services to the people of Aotearoa”. She has spent the past few months working within the four cornerstones of Te Whare Tapa Whā and demonstrating respect for the different iwi so she can make inroads for the team to do the work we need to do culturally safe.
This is a role very different from her financial background when she was usually behind the scenes. She has been pushed out of her comfort zone, removing barriers and breaking down stigmas, in a respectful way. However, she is loving the work and reception she gets, the beautiful kaupapa and getting to do something different every day.
Having visited Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Kaha, Whakatōhea, Ōpōtiki, Tūhoe ki Kawerau, Te Puke, Tauranga Moana and Maketu, as well as groups of over 20 Kaumātua, she will be moving on from the Waiariki rohe to the Rotorua- Te Arawa and Waikato-Tainui areas.
Whakatauki: ‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini’ Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.’
