Tangata Tiriti | Nō Tuwharetoa ōna tamariki

Cassandra brings over a decade of invaluable experience as a qualified hauora professional and public servant to the board of Te Puna Ariki Charitable Trust. With a strong clinical background and recognised specialty in hauora hinengaro, Cassandra has worked at the frontlines of health, supporting individuals and whānau through some of their most vulnerable moments. Her mahi is grounded in aroha, manaakitanga, and a commitment to delivering care that upholds the mana and tapu of every person she serves.

Her passion for wellbeing extends far beyond her professional life. A proud Iron Maori finisher, Cassandra embodies uara such as upoko pakaru, manawaroa, and kia whakapau kaha. These qualities reflect her belief that true hauora emerges when tinana, hinengaro, wairua, and whānau are in balance, an approach that aligns naturally with the holistic mahi of Te Puna Ariki.

As a devoted mama to her two tamariki, Cassandra’s commitment to our kaupapa is both personal and purposeful. Her leadership is guided by values of whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga, with a clear aspiration to nurture safe, empowering, and thriving futures for all tamariki and rangatahi. She brings a whanau first lens to governance, championing initiatives that uplift wellbeing, strengthen resilience, and enhance the collective potential of our hapori.

Areas of expertise: hauora practice and systems, community development, stakeholder engagement, personal and professional development, systems approach, organisational sustainability.