Healthy Families Rotorua introduces its newest team member, Stevee Wikiriwhi, who moved back to her roots after an 18-year hiatus.

Stevee (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue) returned to Rotorua from Auckland last year to have and raise her baby boy, Hiwamaiangi. Her heart was set on her son being surrounded by whānau and attending kohanga reo and kura kaupapa run by her iwi.

She has an extensive background in tertiary education and iwi/community development, previously working at Manukau Institute of Technology, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Mangere, and Raukura Hauora o Tainui in South Auckland.

Stevee attributes her knowledge and successes to her lived experiences in South Auckland – skills she’s looking forward to transferring into her Systems Innovator role in the Kai space.

While she hasn’t been with the team long, Stevee’s already proving to be a valuable contributor to Healthy Families Rotorua kaupapa, including the recent Te Hekenga-ā-Rongo online symposium and kai sovereignty wānanga. She says she enjoys being in a space where she has opportunities to create innovative ideas for iwi – and has slid into the team effortlessly.

Outside of the office, Stevee has a passion for interior design, adventures, working out and spending time with her baby.

It’s a pleasure having you in the team Stevee!