Meet Our Quit Coaches
Our Quit Coaches are health professionals qualified to help people become smokefree. They know the Smokefree methods that are backed by research and are trained to tailor specific programmes for everyone they help so the support is right for them.
Te Hā – Waitaha Quit Coaches are based across Canterbury and work in urban and rural locations.

Maraea Peawini
Community and Public Health
Teenā rā koe, welcome to me.
In my hand is an oar from the smokefree waka. I paddle knowing that one day we will all be in this waka together, paddling in unison, free from this addiction and relationship we have had with tobacco that has held us for many generations. Moving forward as we take back control as an individual, as a whānau, and as a country is mind blowing and exciting.
I am Maraea, of Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou, Ngā Puhi and English.
I want to be part of raising a smoke-free generation. I am going to be part of raising a smoke-free generation. Are you?
In my hand is an oar from the smokefree waka. I paddle knowing that one day we will all be in this waka together, paddling in unison, free from this addiction and relationship we have had with tobacco that has held us for many generations. Moving forward as we take back control as an individual, as a whānau, and as a country is mind blowing and exciting.
I am Maraea, of Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou, Ngā Puhi and English.
I want to be part of raising a smoke-free generation. I am going to be part of raising a smoke-free generation. Are you?

Nika Matenga-Brooker
Community and Public Health
Kia ora koutou, I’m Nika, one of the Quit Coaches in the Te Hā – Waitaha team.
While studying towards my bachelor of health sciences I found my passion in smoking cessation.
After successfully quitting myself, I knew that I wanted to support and encourage others to make their own positive changes.
It is a real honour and a gift being in a role where I am able to work alongside the community to help build a smokefree future together.
While studying towards my bachelor of health sciences I found my passion in smoking cessation.
After successfully quitting myself, I knew that I wanted to support and encourage others to make their own positive changes.
It is a real honour and a gift being in a role where I am able to work alongside the community to help build a smokefree future together.

Niki Fox
He Waka Tapu
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.
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.

Teresa Butler
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust
What ignites your passion?
My whānau. My little girl Taika.
What drives, motivates you?
Watching whānau become happier, healthier and fitter... the best them they can be.
Why do you do what you do?
To help make any positive change in our whānau and communities.
Why smoke-free?
Because I watched the pain and discomfort my mother went through from 50+ years of tobacco smoking which eventually took her life.
What’s “that” magic you bring to your mahi?
Empathy, aroha and understanding. I love to talk too and have a good laugh lol… oh and I’m known to be a good listener... hehehe
What is this mahi about for you?
Educating our whānau around as many options for them to get off the tobacco smoking… save money, become healthier to be around longer with their whānau.
What area do you cover?
Woodend to Ashburton – based in Hornby.
My whānau. My little girl Taika.
What drives, motivates you?
Watching whānau become happier, healthier and fitter... the best them they can be.
Why do you do what you do?
To help make any positive change in our whānau and communities.
Why smoke-free?
Because I watched the pain and discomfort my mother went through from 50+ years of tobacco smoking which eventually took her life.
What’s “that” magic you bring to your mahi?
Empathy, aroha and understanding. I love to talk too and have a good laugh lol… oh and I’m known to be a good listener... hehehe
What is this mahi about for you?
Educating our whānau around as many options for them to get off the tobacco smoking… save money, become healthier to be around longer with their whānau.
What area do you cover?
Woodend to Ashburton – based in Hornby.