VIOLET SMITH
Whaangarei-te-rerenga-paraaoa
Summary
I am a descendant of Nga Puhi me Ngati Whatua
Dedicated professional committed to kaupapa Māori organizations, with extensive experience in wellbeing, social support services, and housing. Expertise is grounded in tikanga and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, demonstrated through a successful history of supporting wāhine and their whānau in communites. Passionate about fostering safe, empowering environments that embody manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kotahitanga, while actively promoting rangatiratanga and equity for all individuals. Strong advocate for holistic approaches prioritizing community needs and cultural integrity.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
Whare Manager
Te Tai Tokerau Emergency Housing
Whangarei, Northland
02.2021 - Current
- Coordinated intake processes and client assessments for timely support.
- Follow up of facility maintenance and safety compliance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Trainer/Educator
Otautahi Women’s Refuge
03.1981 - 01.2007
- Facilitated workshops focused on effective communication and crisis intervention techniques using kaupapa Maori frame-works
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and client support strategies.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback assessments, implementing improvements as needed.
- Developed and delivered training programs on trauma-informed practices for staff and community members.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Advocated for culturally sensitive practices within service delivery models.
- Maintained accurate documentation in compliance with organizational standards and regulations.
- Enhanced cultural understanding by developing and implementing diverse educational programs.
Residential support Worker
YWCA Night Shelter
01.1998 - 01.2000
Education
Domestic Violence Training
National Women's Refuge
OtautahiSkills
- Skilled in professional documentation
- Educational facilitation
- Establishing strategic relationships
- Client relations expertise
- Advocacy expertise
- Training and education
- Experienced in fulfilling client requirements
- Ability to manage importance and priority of tasks
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Experienced in direct client interaction
- Collaborative team management
- Time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Team leadership
Accomplishments
- Successfully prepared a Family Violence Programme for Women which received Domestic Violence Approval from the Ministry of Justice including funding
- Successfully organized and coordinated children's programmes
Timeline
Whare Manager
Te Tai Tokerau Emergency Housing
02.2021 - Current
Residential support Worker
YWCA Night Shelter
01.1998 - 01.2000
Trainer/Educator
Otautahi Women’s Refuge
03.1981 - 01.2007
Domestic Violence Training
National Women's Refuge
Career Profile Key Responsibilities
Passionate advocate for kaupapa Māori organisations with expertise in housing, wellbeing, and community support.
Skilled in working alongside wāhine and whānau through culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches.
Committed to advancing rangatiratanga and equity for Māori through inclusive social services and community development.
Experienced in kaupapa Māori service delivery, guided by tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
Strong track record in creating supportive environments that uphold manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kotahitanga while nurturing the holistic and spiritual wellbeing of individuals and communities.Training and education and follow up reviews of all staff