Maria’s journey with refuge began as a young māmā accessing Safe House support in 1991.

Since then, she’s worked as a Child Advocate, Policy Adviser, and National Trainer. Maria holds an MBA and

She leads our team with mana, strategy, and heart.

Jarita has worked in Social Services since 1998. She is a qualified Social Worker registered with the Social Workers Registration Board of NZ.

Jarita has many years of experience in working with children and adults, helping them resolve issues and achieve their goals and potential.  She is passionate about supporting victims of family violence to live violence-free lives and ensuring women and children live in environments in which they can flourish.

Jarita is a mum of 2 adult children and several Moko. 

Ko Manaia te waka, Ko Ngātiwai tōku iwi.

Jo has a background in early childhood education and parenting support.

She runs programmes for tamariki impacted by violence and supports caregivers of under-fives.

Loren has supported wāhine since 2019.

She focuses on long-term advocacy and goal-setting after crisis has passed.

A mother of three , she brings steady support and lived empathy to her mahi and runs our Matamata office.

Ngaroma (Ngāpuhi, Tokoroa born and raised) has worked in local social services for nearly 20 years.

She facilitates our Women’s Empowerment Programme and is passionate about helping wāhine grow into their strength

Sheree (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu) has worked in family violence prevention since 2017.

She has a strong interest in providing matauranga Maori and tikanga informed services and is currently studying for a certificate in Tupuna Parenting.

A proud māmā of three, she brings warmth and calm to every person who walks through our door.

Tangi ke, tangi ke, tangi ke raua.

Kia Orana, my name is Ruama Tangimama, and I am a proud Cook Island Vaine. I am a mother to three beautiful boys who are my biggest drive and motivation to succeed. I was born 

and raised in Tokoroa, and I currently work as a Wahine and Tamariki Advocate at the Wahine Safety Centre. In my role, I advocate for our wahine who have experienced family  

Violence, and I also work closely with our Tamariki through our in-house programme Tamariki Haumaru, where we provide them with tools to keep themselves safe. My purpose is to support and empower my community, especially those who have been impacted by family violence, so they can heal, grow, and reclaim their strength. 

Kia Orana, Kia Ora and warm greetings to all.
My name is Neta, and I am proud of my Cook Island Māori heritage. My whakapapa connects me to the whenua of the Hokianga, and to the tropical shores of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. I was born and raised in the 16th star, the heart of Aotearoa, Tokoroa.

I serve as the Administrator for the Wāhine Safety Centre, where my primary role is to provide administrative support and assist our kaimahi. I have also completed Advocacy Training, enabling me to work alongside and support our clients directly. My passion lies in uplifting and empowering vulnerable women and whānau in our community, particularly those who are experiencing or have experienced family violence.