Carleen Heemi

Te Whakatōhea

Carleen Heemi plays a pivotal role in her community as a Speech and Language Therapist, advocate for normalising Te Reo Māori and seeing all those around her reach their full potential. 

Carleen grew up in Wairau, Blenheim, and has since returned to her hapori as a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist for Te Mahau.  Carleen is also working as a Project Advisor for the current review of the Speech and Language Therapy Accreditation Framework for the New Zealand Speech and Language Therapy Association.

Carleen actively contributes to the Omaka Marae branch of Te Roopu Wāhine Māori Toko I Te Ora (Māori Womens Welfare League), a revered organisation established in the 1950s.  Te Roopu Wāhine Māori Toko I Te Ora serve as spearheads, inspiring and resilient women who advocate for Māori wahine and their whānau. 

Supporting Māori Women to find their voice and use it, develop partnerships with other organisations who align with our goals, engage in positive initiatives, advocate for indigenous women all over the world, hold the government to account to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and believe in the potential of all.

Carleen is privileged to be a part of this kaupapa.  

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Profile By

Updated 7 November 2024

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Fay Selby Law

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga

Throughout her career in health, she has also focused on uplifting the smokefree sector in Manawatu by supporting whānau, particularly wahine and māmā, in becoming smokefree.

Rutu King-Hazel

Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāi Tahu, Te Atiawa, Tūhoe

Rutu King-Hazel is an aspiring mental health advocate and catalyst for positive change. She is passionate about public speaking, empowering others, and demonstrating compassionate leadership to support the well-being of whānau.

Ko Whangatauatia te maunga

Ko Karirikura te moana

Ko Te Ohaki te Marae

Ko Te Rarawa, ko Nga Puhi oku Iwi

Ko Ngati Pakahi, me Nga Uri Waka Tinana te hapu

Genevieve Simpson – Te Moananui

Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Tamatera and Ngāti Maru

In her work, Genevieve is committed to bridging the inequity gap between Māori and non-Māori, particularly in secondary mental health services; she would also like to see Māori whanau overrepresented in education and underrepresented in all other negative statistics.