From the far north, for all of Aotearoa

Something special happened this week in Kaitaia.

Under the guidance of kaumātua and surrounded by whānau, mana whenua and kaimahi, we welcomed Shayelah Clark-Hobson (Ngāi Takoto, Te Rarawa) into her new role as Pou Whirinaki | GM Māori for Victim Support.

Shayelah is stepping into a role that’s all about strengthening our connection with Māori, growing our cultural capability, and making sure our work reflects the communities we support.

And she’s doing it all from the far north.

It’s in the whānau

Shayelah’s story with Victim Support started before she became one of our kaimahi.

Her parents were long-time volunteers with Victim Support, so she saw what it meant to stand beside people in some of their darkest moments.

My experience as a frontline kaimahi has given me valuable insight into how we can better support whānau and victims of all ethnicities across Aotearoa

For the past two years, Shayelah’s been doing that herself – working on the frontline to support victims of crime and traumatic events.

Now, she’ll be leading the way.

“We’re so proud to welcome Shayelah into this important role,” says James McCulloch, Chief Executive of Victim Support.

“We’re honoured to have someone of her calibre. She brings a deep understanding of both our organisation and the people we support. Her appointment reflects our commitment to being truly Te Tiriti-led – not just in words, but in action for victims of crime, structure and leadership.”

Shayelah is based in Kaitaia. Having leadership based in this community is meaningful. It helps our mahi be rooted in community and tikanga.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be based in Te Hiku o te Ika,” says Shayelah, “where I remain grounded by the guidance of my kaumātua and the strength of Māori leadership across Muriwhenua.”

The right role at the right time

With Māori overrepresented as victims of crime, and with Victim Support’s recent changes to how it supports communities, Shayelah’s appointment has come at the right time.

Shayelah knows what it’s like to support someone in crisis. She understands the importance of whānau, of manaakitanga, and of being guided by Te Ao Māori. She brings a vision for how Victim Support can walk even more closely alongside all victims, from every background, with respect and care.

Because when we get it right for Māori, we get it right for everyone.

“In my role as Pou Whirinaki, I’m excited to help shape a pathway grounded in Te Ao Māori,” Shayelah says. “My experience as a frontline kaimahi has given me valuable insight into how we can better support whānau and victims of all ethnicities across Aotearoa who have been impacted by crime and traumatic events.”

“I look forward to the journey ahead as Pou Whirinaki and the meaningful mahi to come.”

Together at Roma Marae

Shayelah was welcomed into her new role on Monday with a pōwhiri at Roma marae in Ahipara. She was joined by her local kaimahi, whānau, and our leadership team.

"There were tears, smiles and hugs all around," says James. "A joyous and important day for Manaaki Tāngata."

Her pōwhiri was filled with aroha, kai, kōrero and tautoko - a tangible reminder of why this mahi matters.

“I am incredibly proud of our Senior Leadership Team and our kaimahi, who travelled to Te Rarawa and played such an important role in the pōwhiri - from preparing our kai for the day to helping with the clean-up,” says Shayelah.

“I’m deeply grateful for everyone who came to tautoko me as I step into my new role as Pou Whirinaki | GM Māori.”

We're incredibly proud to have Shayelah in this role, and thankful to Foundation North for helping to make it all possible.