Marlaina Tereroa

Sup, Kia Ora and Fakaalofa lahi atu kia motolu oti!

Ko hai au?

Ko Whakarara toku maunga
Ko Te Ngaere toku moana
Ko Wairere toku awa
Ko Matatua Puhi toku waka
Ko Duni Williams toku tipuna
Ko Ngapuhi toku iwi
Ko Whangaroa toku hapu
Ko Kiripaka toku marae
Ko Marlaina Tereroa taku ingoa

I am a mother of 6 children. My 16-year-old son Paulo Juniour Tereroa also known as "Boonie" is my unique child out of them all. He has been diagnosed with Global Development Delay which means he is 2 years behind his actual age with his motor skills, reading, and writing. He can be very friendly so if you see him around locally or in your area please say hello. I have been married to my husband Paulo Tereroa for 4 years, but we’ve been together for 17 years. I am 35 years old and half Niuean/Maori. I was born and bred in Mangere, Southside, attended Favona Primary School, Royal Oak Intermediate, and then Onehunga High School. I am now currently living in Glen Innes, Eastside has been my home for 10 odd years now.

I am a Māori warden for the organization called Ngā Wātene Māori O Akarana based in Mission Bay. I am also a Early Childhood reliever for Goodseeds Trust based in Mt. Wellington and Māngere. I have worked in a Panmure kindergarten and within this time I also could see my children strive and achieve on a daily basis, which was super cool and I didn't get to miss out on any of their growth! I am in the process of becoming a social worker too and will be doing my studies with Te Wānanga O Aotearoa in Māngere - so watch this space!

I start my journey as a Change Agent for the HEART Movement back in May 2021. I came into this not knowing what I was in for, but I was willing to take it on. Since joining the HEART kaupapa I have come out of my comfort zone and taken charge of facilitating a few of our Women's Koru group sessions, which is held every Friday at 10am for an hour and locally in Tāmaki. I’ve been attending Peter Thorburn's sessions and trainings which can be very helpful when needed - he's awesome! The fun part about HEART is that I have made/built/connected with a variety and unique human beings over this period of time, many of these human beings have developed into becoming my close friends, family and more.

I am passionate about helping the families in my community, what they need and want, kai, and just being there or having a listening ear. In my spare time, I love my "me-time", being on my phone, family time, catching up with my sisters, swimming, beaches, and listening to music.

A quick word of wisdom from me is that families are a lot like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain the same as one.