Te Aniwa (TJ) Dickinson

Whanau Ora Iwi Navigator  

I te taha o toku mama 

Ko Taupiri te Maunga 
Ko Waikato te Awa 
Ko Tainui te Waka 
Ko Tainui te Iwi 
Ko Ngāti Tīpa te Hapū 
Ko Tauranganui te Marae 
Ko Te Wherowhero te tangata 

I was born and bred here in Taihape with my parents and my sister. We were both heavily influenced by our grandparents growing up. Some of my fondest memories are either on the farm with my Nan and Koko or in my Gran and Grandpa’s orchard in the middle of summer, scavenging the fruit trees with my cousins. 
I started working when I was 14 as a checkout girl at New World, over the years working my way up to a supervisor role. Moving on to the military camp Messes and then spending 7 years in hospitality where I would gradually move into management. During my roles in our community, I have built valuable connections and relationships with our locals which will tautoko my journey as a Whanau Ora Iwi Navigator in Mokai Patea Services. 

“Ka whai au ki taku ara, me etahi atu ratou i kitea tana aratika 

I follow my path, so that others may find theirs.