Puamiria Maaka

In this special last edition of the newsletter for the year, we wanted to take time to acknowledge a very special Change Agent—Puamiria Maaka. In June 2008, Glen Innes Health working group discussed the problem of family violence in the community. This group wanted to explore what can be done before an incident of family violence occurs, and how can family violence be prevented. That was the initial beginning of HEART Movement. Puamiria Maaka, then CEO of Te Waipuna Puawai committed to lead this work on behalf of the community. She put in a considerable effort to get great people around the table and build a team that would lead the HEART Movement.

Nandita reflects that this was typically Puamiria’s style - getting people to come together and work together to create change in the community. The HEART Movement was very close to Puamiria’s own heart, and she believed that safe home environments were critical for any meaningful and long-term social change to occur. She was a big advocate for investment at the local level to strengthen families and communities to build and create well to be on their own.

Our special friend and precious taonga Puamiria passed away on the 2nd December 2018, leaving a gap that will never be filled. We wanted to take time to acknowledge her role in the work that we do in Tamaki.

As we mourn the passing of our friend and colleague Puamiria, Cristy Trewartha reflects on Puamiria’s courage and vision.

Cristy says, Puamiria had a vision for change, for the ways things could be if we addressed some of the big challenges whānau face. Among other issues, Puamiria made a commitment to address family violence in Tāmaki. She stuck with that commitment over many years until the HEART Movement became a reality. She worked tirelessly to ensure that family violence was not again swept under the carpet, that it was taken seriously and she brought many others on board. She spoke from the heart when she talked about the world she wanted all mokopuna to grow up in. A world where they would not be harmed by violence and could enjoy healthy relationships that supported them to have great lives.

Puamiria had a vision and set it in motion. There are many of us now who share this vision and are working to achieve it.

Puamiria was a very supportive person and always had time to listen. She will be remembered for her smile and great laugh, her aroha and for the stories she shared.

Moe mai i roto i te rangimarie.