Maria Meredith
Maria Meredith has been a resident of Tāmaki and an active community member since the 1980s. She has served on local school and trust boards alongside working in the education, health and disability sectors. In 2018 Maria was elected to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. She stood for the Board to advocate for good outcomes for the community through the many changes that were taking place in Tāmaki.
Her husband Eugene Meredith was the reason Maria moved to Glen Innes in the 1980's, where his family has lived since the 1960’s. Maria says it reminded her of growing up in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn when there were large Māori and Pacific communities. She loved the cultural diversity, the rich history of Tāmaki and how people were so friendly. Sharing a cup of sugar over the fence was a common occurrence. Her four children all attended local schools. She says this and being a member of St Pius X Catholic Church in Glen Innes helped her gain a sense of belonging and community.
She first heard about the HEART Movement in 2012 during a PACIFICA women’s network meeting about a community response to family violence and youth suicides. She recalls learning about HEART and how it was about building healthy relationships. This stuck with her as she came to terms with the devastating impact family violence and suicide had on local families and the community. She saw there was a connection between these issues. It caused her to think about how the community could resource young people with tools to develop healthy relationships and prevent harm. She discovered that local agencies could offer support and passed information on to those who needed it. Since then Maria has kept herself in the loop with youth wellbeing initiatives, now through her Local Board role.
Maria says although she has only reconnected with HEART over the past year, she has been watching HEART from a distance and paying attention for some time. She enjoys reading our newsletters and says it is great to hear about the professional development and training that HEART provides. Maria attended the HEART wānanga last year, she said there was “lots of aroha in the room and people wanting to make positive change in the community.” She feels that those who are connected to HEART have benefited from it holistically and that the community-led prevention approach is great. She also says that “you are never too old to learn!”
Maria has been married to her husband for 35 years and says communication has been the key over the years to a healthy relationship. Respect and love, providing good emotional support for each other in the good and bad times, and having your space are all important components. Being a mother to four children she is aware of modelling healthy relationships to her children to give them a good foundation. She acknowledges that problems can arise in relationships and that seeking help is essential, whether it's talking to friends or family, or a counsellor.
Maria talks fondly of the surrounding environment of reserves and coastline, and how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. Her aspirations for Tāmaki are for unity and wellbeing.
Ngā mihi nui Maria for your dedication and aroha for the Tāmaki community.