Image: Maude Maxwell second from left

Opotiki born and bred, Maude Maxwell is a Relationship Manager at Manawanui. Her role is to support the disability referral community of NASCs, DHBs and conditions organisations, and help them understand that various options available to those organisations customers.

Maude spends her time running community workshops, training sessions, and fielding calls from assessors and counsellors unsure of the best approach for a customer.

Maude is an enthusiastic role model for Manawanui’s values, as shown when I sat down for a chat with her.

Maude – you're an east coast girl. How did growing up in Opotiki shape you?

The awa (river) is clean, there is no better place in the summer than at the river with the kids. The food source is also plentiful, so much to do in this wonderful place, and so quiet as well. I love peace.

Do you have a favourite movie?
 

Lion King! I think I can recite nearly every line by every actor in this movie, lol

What attracted you to working at Manawanui?

Manawanui is a true believer in self-determination, which is a key value of my Māori culture. And at Manawanui it’s not just a saying, it is a living principle that has been achieved through Individualised Funding, ko te tangata te mea nui (people are really important to us)

I thrive in working with people that believe in the same values as mine, values such as people matter, people’s right to choose, and the great team all working together for a common goal.

Every day I am rewarded by seeing individuals make their own choices that will make a difference to their life, and the flexibility around the concept of individualised funding is amazing to see and hear from our families.

I also feel humbled when we can help make a difference to the struggles customers have in everyday life, such as getting a pram, or a stroller that can get them down to the beach. These are small things that I can access for them every day but may not be easy for some of our families. These are the most precious reward for me, anything that uplifts one’s wellness.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I try to spend as much time with my parents, children, and grandchildren. Time is so precious these days, we’re so busy that we need to remind ourselves to slow down and appreciate the most important things around us.

I also hold lots of educational or devotional activities to uplift families, such as musical firesides, and family history activities where everyone gets to tell their ancestors stories, through photos, cooking, and one traditional activity they did back in their days.

And finally, Maude, what is your guilty pleasure?

Food with whanau. I love sharing homemade meals – roasts with mashed spuds & veggies, hangi, seafood. My family was raised on a farm, so everything we ate was homegrown, caught from the bush, or sea. We only ever had home cooked meals, so every time we stepped off the school bus, we could smell all the cooking and baking in preparation of dinner from my nans and my parents.