Nicolette Marie Kohu

With more than four years’ experience, I am passionate about supporting whaiora and whānau through trauma-informed, kaupapa Māori, and relational approaches that prioritise cultural safety and uphold mana. In my current role as Intake Lead at Southland Help, I support people through hardship by providing clear, transparent guidance, connecting them with services, and encouraging strength-based solutions so they can move forward with confidence.

My mahi involves managing client pathways, supporting court processes, completing family harm reporting, and administering grants, all of which require accuracy, attention to detail, and integrity. I work closely with agencies such as NZ Police, Ministry of Justice, and Victim Support to ensure individuals and their whānau receive the right, coordinated support at the right time. I am confident navigating complex systems, maintaining precise records, and making sound decisions that directly impact people’s lives.

I pride myself on being calm under pressure, adaptable to change, and able to manage a high workload while keeping people at the centre of my practice. I value being transparent with clients about processes and entitlements so they feel respected, informed, and empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Guided by kaupapa Māori values such as manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kotahitanga, I see each person within the wider context of their whānau and community. I believe this holistic, strengths-based approach aligns closely with the Case Manager role, where empathy, professionalism, and cultural competence are essential. I am motivated to bring my skills, integrity, and experience to MSD, where I can continue making a positive difference in people’s lives and support stronger, safer, and more independent communities.

• Jaimee McDowall, Southland Help, 027-840-7996, jaimeelea@gmail.comeelea@gmail.com
• Jan Hibbs, previous GM at Southland Help, 021-0222-3662, janhibbs@outlook.co.nz

• Date of Birth: 10/04/80
• Visa Status: Full NZ Driver Licence