Meet Our Quit Coaches

Being Māori myself, I have seen many of my own whānau struggle with smoking related illnesses and with some even death. This has pushed me to fight for my whānau and others who still battle with their addiction to have a better smokefree life.

I believe everyone has the ability to change and within my role, I can build on their strengths and offer options so that they can make a fully informed decision.

Our children are our future and I hope that going forward a smokefree Aotearoa will benefit them with better health outcomes for future generations.

I cover rural South Canterbury and mid-Canterbury. People in these areas live in isolation and this way we get to take the support to them, which can remove barriers.

Ko Pukekaroro te maunga
Ko Kaipara te awa
Ko Mahuhu ki te rangi te waka
Ko Ngāti Whātua , ko Ngaphui, ko Ngāti Porou te iwi
Ko Te Uri o Hau te hapu
Ko Ōtamatea te marae
Ko Heywood tōku whānau
Ko Joyce tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā kotou, tēnā katou, tēnā kotou katoa

I am Māori kaimahi working part time in the Smokefree space engaging with Hapu Māma and Whānau.
The other part of my role is as the Engagement Coordinator for Te Hā Waitaha Stop Smoking Support Services.
I look forward to being able to support all in my whānau and community in living a smokefree life.

Ko Nuku Mania te Maunga
Ko Orokaia te Awa
Ko Ngai Tahu, Ngati mamoe me Waitaha te Iwi
Ko Ruahikihiki te hapu
Ko Ta O Moki te Marae
Ko Marsh toku whānau
Ko Niki toku ingoa

Kia ora. My name is Niki.

I am looking forward to helping support Tangata whaiora (clients) in becoming smokefree.
I come from a background where everyone smoked, and I have also been a smoker myself.
I understand the toughness of becoming smoke free and want to help change the lives of whānau.
I am currently studying L4 mental health and addictions and have been working alongside whaiora in the addictions space at He Waka Tapu.
I believe with the right support and whānau around you, you can make that change and be good at it!!!
I am excited to see the change in whaiora becoming smoke free with goals and structure to help secure that change

I am passionate about this Kaupapa and bring a lot of energy to supporting you all.

Kia ora koutou. I am a recent Health Science graduate and have always been extremely passionate about public health- particularly in prevention. My passion stems from losing my mum and grandad to cancer.

As part of the smokefree team I can help guide people along their journey to live a healthier, smoke-free life. This role allows me to contribute to meaningful change within our communities. I am dedicated to making a positive impact and improving the well-being of others through education, support, and advocacy.

I love getting to know different people and hearing their life stories. Each person's journey is unique, and I am inspired by their strength and resilience. Listening to their experiences not only enriches my understanding but also reinforces my commitment to helping them achieve their health goals. Building these connections and seeing the positive transformations in their lives is incredibly rewarding. It motivates me to continue working hard, advocating for better health outcomes, and supporting those who need it most.