My journey mataora agent of transformation

Tainui te waka, Ruahine te maunga, Oroua te awa, Ngāti Kauwhata te iwi.

I was born and raised in Feilding, carrying the legacy and responsibility of my whakapapa. My journey has not been a straight path — addiction shaped over twenty‑two years of my life. Those years taught me deeply about trauma, identity, disconnection, and the resilience of the human spirit. I learned what it means to lose yourself and what it takes to find your way home again. Healing, I discovered, is not just stopping a behaviour; it is reconnecting with purpose, culture, whānau, and self.

Alongside my personal journey, I committed to learning and growth. In 2009, I completed a Diploma in Whakairo and Māori Visual Arts through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, where I learned patience, discipline, and the responsibility of carrying our traditions with integrity. My path then led into te ao moko, which I have practiced for over five years, guided by tikanga, wairua, and the teachings of our tūpuna.

Today, I step into the AOD rehabilitation space not as someone with all the answers, but as someone who has walked the road. I understand the weight of addiction and the courage required to change. As a tāne facilitator, my role is to walk alongside others as they rediscover their strength and potential. My approach is grounded in tika, pono, and aroha — creating spaces where tāne are seen, heard, challenged, and supported.

My vision is to help build strong, grounded men who become pou within their whānau and communities — men who break cycles and create better pathways for the generations to come. My journey from addiction to leadership has shown me that our greatest struggles can become our greatest gifts when we use them in service of others.

I te taha o tōku Mama me tōku Papa.

• Ko Tainui rāua ko Aotea ngā waka
• Ko Ruahine rāua ko Taranaki ngā maunga
• Ko Oroua rāua ko Waitōtara ngā awa
• Ko Ngāti Kauwhata rāua ko Ngā Rauru ngā iwi

Kia ora, I joined the collective in February 2026 as a facilitator for our Hearty Whānau wānanga and have continued to grow my kete through studying a Diploma in Crisis Intervention Psychology and Counselling at the Career Academy.

Through Te Whare Puna Ora, I’ve received mentoring, placement, and cultural support that have strengthened my skills and identity.

My lived experience—growing up around addiction, facing my own challenges, and navigating family violence and trauma—drives my commitment to providing safe, compassionate support for others.

As a Residential Advisor, I promote wellbeing, stability, and positive outcomes while continuing to strengthen my advocacy, crisis response, and relationship‑building capabilities.

I am motivated by my whānau and guided by a passion for helping people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered on their healing journeys.

Kia ora ko Ginger Smallman ahau, and I am proud to be part of the dedicated team at Te Whare Puna Ora.

In my role, I wear many hats as a Kaiwhakahaere, Residential Advisor, Support Worker, and Whānau Support Advocate, working alongside Wāhine on their journey towards healing, wellbeing, and independence.

My passion is empowering people through Manaakitanga, aroha, and whakawhanaungatanga. Whether I am providing day-to-day support, advocating for whānau, coordinating care, or creating a safe and nurturing environment, I strive to ensure every person feels heard, respected, and valued.

As a proud Māori woman, I bring my culture and values into my work every day, believing that holistic wellbeing is strengthened through connection to whānau, whakapapa, wairua, and community.

It is a privilege to walk alongside those we support as they build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.