NOELINE’S STORY

Noeline grew up and started her family in a rural community, which changed when she and her partner moved their young family to the MPHS area fourteen years ago to pursue work opportunities. Noeline’s connection with the MPHS community had started as a young girl visiting her aunties who lived in the area. However, moving their young family was a huge decision and it came with new challenges.

The MPHS area at the time, like many communities, faced issues which needed addressing, with limited community resource. Noeline and her partner realised the difficulties of raising young teenagers in an urban area where taking up the opportunities available often ended up being creating more problems than rewards.Concern for the wellbeing of her children motivated Noeline to volunteer for the local MPHS Community Initiative Inc. and local Henderson South School BOT back in 2007.

Her family got involved with the community survey led by Sandy Thompson and Fraser McDonald from Unitec. Her daughter and niece were paid to process the research data collected from local residents.  MPHS manager Rochana Sheward recognised that Noeline’s leadership qualities were what MPHS needed on the governance board and in 2008 she joined the board and became MPHS chairperson – the role she currently holds.

At first Noeline felt she had little to add but slowly overtime she began to realise her voice was very important in ensuring that the organisation stayed focused on a shared vision for a thriving community.  Her understanding of engaging Maori and Pacific families meant the board worked strategically to create community initiatives which addressed community needs and celebrated cultural values.

“When I am speaking in the community it’s about sharing our vision and celebrating what we have achieved.”

Noeline felt less comfortable with other aspects of being a community leader such as public speaking – she has had to push herself to her limits. One of the things that helped Noeline overcome public speaking has been learning about professionalism and how it applies to being a volunteer in a leadership role.  She works closely with other board members to make sure their skills are used well for the organisation.

Noeline believes maintaining a good working relationship between governance and management of the organisation, and ensures everyone is clear about their role and responsibilities.  Because of this she feels confident she does not need to get involved in the day to day running of the centre, and while she still finds it difficult to speak in public, she knows the importance of her role as a chairperson “When I am speaking in the community it’s on behalf of the community – it’s about sharing our vision and celebrating what we have achieved.”

Noeline’s newfound confidence led her to pursue a new career in Social Work and she has been studying at Unitec while working for Te Whanau o Waipareira. Noeline was working in Family Start but since the contract finished she has been able to offer her skills to leading family violence interventions which extend to new Marae based initiatives for local whānau.

She feels that building her confidence over the years through her volunteer roles has helped her realise her skills and passion for working with Maori and Pacifica whanau. It is this new self-belief that has helped her to create a new career and focus for the future. Noeline is now raising her grandson and is very aware that young people still need lots of positive opportunities to build their confidence and skills.   She wants opportunities that support families like her own to succeed, and she wants people in the community to know they too can make a difference by getting involved.