Kia ora

It is with a huge amount of emotion that I am writing this as my last message as a network coordinator for DRIVE. What an honor and a privilege it has been, to be a part of so many journeys, to have worked with so many awesome people, and to have seen such growth and development taking place.

I feel that DRIVE is sitting in a whole new ball game than from where we came from, with a new brand, new web page, and social media presence. We have an inclusive Governance Group structure with representation from our people and various service providers. We are now able to really engage with the community and the sector, and represent consumer voice in an inclusive way across the mental health and addictions community of Counties Manukau.

I too have changed and come a long way since my brash beginnings – in so many ways.

Some of the highlights for me have been:

  • Presenting at Cutting Edge in Auckland 2011, and again in Rotorua 2013, and participating in the discussion panel on stigma and discrimination in Dunedin in 2014.
  • Dinner in the Beehive, 2012.
  • Facilitating Qi Gong and participating on a discussion panel at the ISPS-NZ Shifting the Korero on Psychosis Conference 2014.
  • 3 awesome recovery camps for 3 years running at Chosen Valley in Ararimu.
  • 5 days in Coromandel with 11 of my peers at Facilitating the Art of Determination workshop.
  • Many many many hui, gatherings and support groups.
  • Working with awesome colleagues.

    • Sheree will have my contact details if people are needing to get in touch. I can’t name exactly what my role will be yet, but it looks like a few of you will see me about. I’m looking forward to spending more time getting in touch with my creative side and extending myself in this area.
    Naku te rourou, nau taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive

    Brody