Renee is a clinician with Kia Ora Ake, supporting tamariki to strengthen their wellbeing early and in ways that truly work for them.
After years of working in crisis settings such as sexual violence, family violence, mental health services, and schools, Renee was drawn to Kia Ora Ake because of its preventative focus. “This type of mahi means I’m not the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff”, she says. “It’s about meeting tamariki when they’re ready to access support, before things reach crisis point.
Renee works closely with tamariki aged 5-12, alongside their whānau and schools. She believes tamariki voices are often overlooked in favour of adult perspectives. Her approach centres on helping children feel heard, supported, and confident to ask for help, often for the first time.
Much of Renee’s mahi involves strengthening the wider support system around tamariki. She works one-on-one with children, partners with whānau to build goals and support at home and collaborates with teachers to embed wellbeing strategies in the classroom. “When school and whānau are aligned, tamariki are better able to thrive in both spaces,” she says.
Renee uses play-based and holistic approaches, including creative, nature-based, and wellbeing focused activities, adapting her practice to meet each child’s unique needs. She values the flexibility of her role and the collaborative, multidisciplinary environment of Kia Ora Ake, which allows her to work in ways that are responsive, strengths-based, and grounded in real-life contexts.
“Too many children fall through the gaps,” Renee says. “Early support helps prevent trauma from compounding over time. When we support tamariki and their whānau early, we’re helping build healthier futures.”
