Ko Mātaatua tōku waka

Ko Ngāti Pūkenga te iwi

Ko Maketū  te kāinga

Ko Rangiuru te maunga

Ko Kaituna te awa

Ko Te Arawa tōku waka

Ko Tapuika tōku iwi

Ko Ngāti Tūheke te hapū

To Tia tōku marae

Ko Codey Bell tōku ingoa

At an early age navigating my path in life had many challenges; being disconnected from my Māori whakapapa, struggling with my sexual orientation, dealing with family's and my own mental distress. However, these challenges shaped who I am today.

My mental distress allows me to understand others on a deeper level and inspires my mahi. Working historically in the corporate space as a team leader and project manager allowed me to gain invaluable skills yet I always yearned to make a profound difference in people's lives and to support the wellbeing journey of others. When I sailed my waka into the rivers of the mental health sector, I finally felt like I had found my place in the world.

My passion is to help our systems and structures move away from practices such as institutional racism and restrictive practice. I want to bring our whānau feeling disempowered into a world where the mana of everyone is enhanced, and all differences are respected and encouraged.

It is an honour and privilege to be the Kaiwhakahaere (Workforce Development Lead), Te Kete Pounamu at Te Rau Ora, and to have the opportunity to work with amazing people to make this world a better place.