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June 06, 2022
Ms Ellen Norman-Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours 2022
Waatea Team
Posted On June 6, 2022
The Queen’s Service Medal NORMAN, Ms Ellen Huia (Reremoana)
For services to Māori and mental health
Ms Reremoana Norman has spent more than 25 years in mental health services in Auckland and Northland.
Ms Norman began her career in mental health in South Auckland in 1993 during a period of change with the closure of Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital, an increase in community based mental health services, and a drive to improve Māori mental health. With Counties Manukau DHB from 1999 to 2006, she advocated for Māori equity, developed Māori clinicians and kaumatua services, and represented Māori on regional and national mental health forums. She was then District Manager Far North Mental Health and Addictions at Northland DHB from 2007 to 2017, during which time she faced challenges such as paedophilia disclosures, increased criminal activity, high suicide rates and other factors impacting the community. She was Director of Māori Development and Manager of Community Engagement roles with the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. She was member and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Te Rau Matatini (now Te Rau Ora), the national centre for Māori workforce development, education and cultural capability. She is Chair of Ngāti Kahu Social and Health, Trustee of Ngāti Kahu ki Tamaki, and Treasurer of Te Paatu Marae. Ms Norman is Māori Suicide Postvention Coordinator for Manurewa Marae and established several initiatives for mental health education.
AWARDS
Kiwibank Local Hero Award, 2019
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