Te Paki o matariki Neha Manihera | Social Worker
Te Paki o matariki Neha Manihera is our newest addition to the team at Te Whare Nukunoa – She has had many years of experience as a Social Worker and we cannot wait for her to share the knowledge she has gained through her unique journey.
Ko Maungakawa toku maunga
Ko Topehaehae toku awa
Ko Tainui toku waka
Ko Ngāti Hauaa toku Iwi
Ko Ngāti Werewere toku hapū
Ko Rukumoana ngā Kai-a-te-mata oku marae
Ko Te Paki o matariki Neha Manihera ahau
E noho ana au inaianei ki Te Awakairangi.
Why did you choose Social Work as a profession?
Good question! I think it comes from watching the older generations of my hapu, Iwi, struggle with grief. Particularly when you lose the one person who holds the whanau together.
How long have you been practicing Social Work?
I completed my degree in 2015, I did not want to go straight into social work, I wanted something else and decided to work with elderly with dementia. So, I looked for a nursing home and applied as a healthcare assistant, I loved working there. Those beautiful souls taught me how to listen, with my eyes, because I am deaf. The environment suited me perfectly.
When did you start working with the homeless?
In 2019 I started my social work practice working with the homeless. This is where I learnt my trade, while there, I started to see a group of society slip through our health, community, justice, and income systems. This was the motivation for me to join Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust and Te Whare Nukunoa. Whanaungatanga, manakitanga, Wairua, and Aroha, are core to my values and beliefs.
What motivates you as a Social Worker?
Watching my Tuakana, (older female) Kaihana (cousins) and Whaea (aunties) go through the loss of a partner or end of a relationship was so sad to witness, the only thing I actually saw my Tuakana, Whaea accept as a healing process, was Aroha, Manakitanga, Wairua and Whanaungatanga. If not for them, I would not have gotten through my own personal grief with the loss of my husband in my mid 30’s. I feel I have come full circle and very humbled to be welcomed into Te Whare Nukunoa to work alongside the Wahine toa under the guidance of Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust.
Many thanks
Te Paki o matariki Neha Manihera
