Gemella Reynolds-Hatem
Christchurch,CAN
Summary
Tēnā koutou katoa,
E mihi ana ahau ki a koutou mō tēnei āheinga nui. Ngā mihi maioha ki ngā ringa raupā me ngā kaimahi i whakatuwhera mai i ngā tatau ki ahau. He hōnore nui kia whai wāhi atu au ki tēnei kaupapa, ā, he ngākau nui tōku ki te tautoko i te oranga o ngā rangatahi me ō rātou whānau.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.A 25-year-old Master’s candidate in Genetics, currently in the final stage of postgraduate study, with research focused on breast cancer risk in Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer through a kaupapa Māori approach. I bring strong cultural competence, critical thinking skills, and a deep commitment to mana-enhancing, whānau-centred practice.
Fluent in English and conversational in Te Reo Māori, with foundational knowledge of Arabic, I am an effective communicator who builds respectful and trusting relationships across diverse communities. I am known for my strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to remain calm, grounded, and focused in high-pressure environments.
I have demonstrated leadership and advocacy as the 2024 President of the Māori Students’ Association at the University of Otago, representing Māori tauira at a national level and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders. Throughout both secondary and tertiary study, I have consistently maintained employment alongside my academic commitments, demonstrating strong time management, adaptability, and resilience.
I am motivated to support rangatahi in safe, structured environments and bring empathy, professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to all aspects of my work.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Whare Kaimahi - Youth Residence Worker
Ōtākou Health Limited
South Dunedin, Dunedin
03.2024 - 01.2026
- Ensured safety, wellbeing, and emotional needs of rangatahi in residential care environment at all times.
- Built trusting relationships with young people through consistent, empathetic communication.
- Applied trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches for behavioural regulation and emotional wellbeing.
- Maintained calm and structured environment aligned with organisational policies and care plans.
- Assisted rangatahi with daily routines, engagement in education, hygiene, and life skills development.
- Responded to challenging behaviours and crises using effective de-escalation strategies.
- Collaborated with social workers, clinicians, educators, and whānau to achieve holistic outcomes.
- Documented shift notes, incident reports, and care updates accurately and promptly.
Support Worker
Southern Rehabilitation Services
St Clair, Dunedin
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Managed care for three residents, ensuring daily activities and support.
- Distributed and documented medication alongside daily mood assessments.
- Cultivated understanding of diverse needs among non-neurotypical individuals.
- Provided compassionate assistance with personal care tasks to enhance resident well-being.
Fixed-term Environmental Officer
Otago Regional Council
Dunedin, Otago
11.2021 - 02.2022
- This job was a fixed term summer role which enabled and enhanced the arts component of my degree. The role enabled me to understand the public sector within a semi-government level, to also work under pressure and communicate with an array of individuals. During my time at the council I did a lot of work within the compliance sector, specialising in CMA structures and water control of bores in Central Otago and the Coastal Otago regions. Whilst being a member of the compliance team, I also gave weekly Te Reo email lessons to enhance Te Reo and a Māori presence amongst the Otago Regional Council.
- Audit, monitor, assess and grade the compliance of Coastal Marine Areas.
- Audit, monitor, assess and grade the compliance of bores in Central and Coastal Otago.
- Give weekly Te Reo Māori lessons to the Otago Compliance team.
- Maintained strong relationships with clients and colleagues during audit.
Fixed-term Quality Control Assistant
Earthwise Group Limited
Saint Johns, Auckland
10.2020 - 02.2021
- Conducted retention sampling of products to ensure compliance with pH and viscosity standards.
- Proposed weekly testing of IBCs to proactively identify and resolve potential product issues.
- Fostered strong relationships with colleagues on the factory floor and in corporate offices.
- Successfully managed three audits, demonstrating adherence to quality standards.
Education
Batchelor of Arts & Science - Indigenous Development & Genetics
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ05-2024
Master of Science - Genetics
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZSkills
- Schedule and time management
- Decision making
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Retention and pH sampling
- Wet lab experience
- Tikanga Māori
- Trauma-informed care
- Client relationship management
Languages
- Te Reo Māori
- Arabic
- English
Awards
- University Putea Tautoko Scholarship, 2020
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu - Ka Putea Scholarship, 2020
- Pou Herenga Tangata Awards Scholarship 2021
- Ngāi Tahu Rangatahi Scholarship, 2022
- Te Rūnanga Moeraki Scholarship, 2022
- Ngāi Tūāhuriri Scholarship, 2022,
- SING 2022 (Summer Internship of Genomics), 2022
- Graduate Women Otago Centenary Award (Māori), 2024
- Māori Cancer Researcher Awards – Masters Scholarship, 2024
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu - Ka Putea Scholarship, 2025
Volunteer Experience
- Casual, Kids Canteen, Auckland, 2018
- Casual, Call Centre, Dunedin, 2021
- Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa, Te Rōpū Māori, Dunedin, 2022
- Tumuaki Takirua, Te Rōpū Māori, Dunedin, 2024
References
- Nathan Howden, Manager Hype DC, 0220658692
- Vicky Totoro, Teaching Staff Otago University, 0272539328
- James Hema, Earthwise National Distribution Manager, 0272931036
- Mike Cummings, Principle Compliance Manager Otago Regional Council, 0275666539
Timeline
Whare Kaimahi - Youth Residence Worker
Ōtākou Health Limited
03.2024 - 01.2026
Support Worker
Southern Rehabilitation Services
08.2022 - 02.2024
Fixed-term Environmental Officer
Otago Regional Council
11.2021 - 02.2022
Fixed-term Quality Control Assistant
Earthwise Group Limited
10.2020 - 02.2021
Batchelor of Arts & Science - Indigenous Development & Genetics
University of Otago
Master of Science - Genetics
University of Otago