Lucinda is dedicated to uplifting whānau voices and advancing culturally responsive care within mental health and addiction services across Aotearoa.
With a strong academic foundation, Lucinda holds a Master of Indigenous Studies from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, a Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work and a Postgraduate Diploma in Bicultural Supervision from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Her career spans clinical and cultural supervision roles in both government and non-government sectors, where she provides support in culturally safe environments.
As National Clinical Director of Oranga Hinengaro at Te Aka Whai Ora, Lucinda led initiatives to address the hauora and well-being needs of whānau Māori, striving to bring transformational change to mental health services.
However, following the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora in April 2024 and its integration into Te Whatu Ora’s Hauora Māori Services, Lucinda chose to resign in October 2024, seeking alignment with her values and a return to grassroots-level support.
In early 2023, Lucinda founded her own organisation Ka Hikitia, where she is the Executive Director, focusing on enhancing community resilience and well-being through targeted programs and direct support.
Her vision remains deeply rooted in supporting whānau, hapū, iwi, and hapori, addressing the overrepresentation of Māori in high-risk spaces and continuing her commitment to culturally empowered mental health care across Aotearoa.
Links:
Bringing Addiction sector leaders together in Ōtautahi
Updated 07 November 2024
