Georgina Curtis-Connelly
My passion and experience is in health and building a healthy Maori community under the model of Te Whare Tapa Wha.
My grounding in working with Maori came largely from working with the Te Uri o Hau claims in the days of researching historical information and facts to collate and present to Government. Interviewing our kuia and kaumatua who lived through these times, strengthened my determination to bring back what they rightfully deserved. The process was long and the loss was great as many kaumatua did not live to see the actual returns or outcome. It is through this memory that I stood to be a trustee on the Settlement Trust board to represent the whanau of Oruawharo.
I believe I conduct myself with integrity and transparency. Having open communications in reporting back to the beneficiaries is of significant importance to me as more often than not 'we' have heard of decisions being made well after the deal has be sealed. I plan to ensure that any proposed projects that require large amounts of spending are made by thorough application and exploration, even if it means to seek a professional second opinion.
I live and work within Te Uri o Hau and see the needs of our community. I work directly with those from all walks of life and backgrounds who are disadvantage in many ways. I feel that I can fairly represent our community as a whole due to knowing what our community needs and desires are. This drives me further to ensure that assets of our hapu are retained.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the kuia and kaumatua who approached me to put my name forward, your tautoko and awhi in my ability to fairly and professionally represent the beneficiaries of Oruawharo has been humbling not only to me but my extended whanau. Nga mihi mo to manaakitanga mai. Taku aroha nui ki a koutou. No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.