As a child growing up in Scotland, the story goes that Carol was always looking at the clouds, or to be found tucked away in a corner reading a book. Being still and looking to the horizon. Those early personality traits have endured despite working for over four decades as a doctor. Her sixteen years in solo general practice in Coromandel and then in Ngunguru was as much about her learning to understand community as it was about her being there to serve. Carol knows now that she had a lot to learn! So too it was the best training for palliative medicine, which has been her chosen practice since the late 1990s. Carol has understood for a long time that medicine can do much for us, yet only so much. Her heart has always been to share understandings, to give people options so they can choose what’s most important for them. This is the heart of compassionate communities.

Maria is the project manager and community liaison for the Honohono Tātou Katoa project. With an eclectic background as an engineer, entrepreneur, nature educator, yoga and mindfulness teacher, event organizer, and proud mother of three, Maria brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her true passion lies in transforming meaningful and impactful ideas into reality. Having experienced the loss of her parents at a young age, Maria views Death as her most profound teacher and companion in life. She firmly believes that by cultivating knowledge about death and dying, we can alleviate fear and be better prepared. Maria loves being in nature and you will often find her hiking in the bush or playing outside with her husband and children.

Iwi, Whanau.  E uri au, noa Te Ao Pouri, Ngati Kahu Ki Whangaroa, Whakatohea, Whanau Apanui, Ingarani, ki te taha toku Matua Papa a Kereti Henare.  E uri au, noa Ngati Porou, Kotimana, Te Ai Taanga a Maahaki, ki te taha toku Whaea, toku Mama, toku Koka, toku Whai ipo, a Mere Tekiri Rewai Mihi, Riihi/Reid, ( Puia, ( ingoa whangai ) Henare.  ​ I, a Sibley of fifteen, number four in the pecking order, the eldest alive.  Eight tamariki have had the pleasure of being housed in my whare Tangata, Nani to eighteen mokopuna and two mokomoko.  Korero ano/further information.  ​ Deepest of respect to my very dear mother, Mere Te Kiri Rewai Riihi Puia Henare, and my Koka Heeni Phillips. Noa Rongomaiwahine/Ngati Porou ia. Maumaha kia korua, moe mai, moe mai.  ​ I am privileged to have as my 1st point of contact regarding Te Ao Maori and knowledge of our Whanau, Hapu & Iwi. my beautiful Uncle, Whakahawera Rerekite Pakanga Kerr. Knower as a (Big Man, big heart, Libby Kerr ) my uncle is in his eighty-first year. My beautiful Uncle past  this May 2023. ​ My passion lay in the pakiwaitara/mythical stories, along with the many Punaa that store and hold the Matauranga of our Tupuna, Tipuna, and Mokopuna. Held and told by Wahine Maori. We as Mana Wahine, and Tangata Whenua hold the power of contentment and social order within whanau, hapu. Whare Tangata – womb, house of humanity. The reproductive body of Maori Wahine lay within the depth and sheer beauty of Te Reo Maori, beyond the tuakiri.  ​ He whakapapa tou He tuakiri ano tou. Reclaiming and understanding, the importance of knowing one’s whakapapa. Especially living in an urban environment today.

I am a doctor and the current Hugh Green Fellow at Mercy Hospice, applying the latest research and public health palliative care knowledge to the Honohono Tātou Katoa initiative. Before working at Mercy I spent my time working in general hospital medicine and medical education, but my passion lies in palliative care and public health. I love taking a creative approach and working with others to make positive change. Working in palliative care and Honohono Tātou Katoa has taught me the importance of living life to the fullest and how valuable that last stage of life is. Outside of work, you’ll generally find me cooking with my husband, attending community night classes or hanging out with my dog. I keep busy with various projects whether that be knitting, painting or making something on the wheel at the pottery studio.

Lana was born and raised in Waitākere, Tāmaki Makaurau, with family emigrating from Serbia and England. Mid-way through 2023, Lana completed a ten-week social work placement with Honohono Tātou Katoa, gaining valuable insights into community-based palliative care and a passion for normalising conversations around death and dying. Now, while pursuing a Master of Social Work (Professional) at the University of Auckland, she continues her involvement as an Equity Advocate with the project. Within her work, Lana uses human rights and strengths-based approaches, as well as anti-oppressive practices. In her leisure time, she enjoys forest walks with friends, painting, road trips, and tending to her taha wairua.

Izi, is a dedicated marketing professional with over five years of vibrant experience in the industry. Throughout her career, she had the privilege of helping businesses navigate and thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Her passion for marketing is driven by a desire to create authentic connections and meaningful experiences. Izi's journey has been especially rewarding within the funeral industry, a field that demands a unique blend of sensitivity and expertise. She found great fulfillment in helping funeral homes and related businesses bring a touch of humanity to their digital presence, ensuring they connect with people in a compassionate and respectful manner. At the heart of her work is a deep appreciation for the stories that make us who we are. She believes that every brand has a story worth telling, and it's her mission to bring those stories to life online. From crafting engaging content to developing strategic campaigns, she strives to create digital experiences that resonate on a personal level. We incredibly fortunate to have Izi as be part of the fantastic team at Honohono Tātou Katoa. Here, we embrace a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empathy. Together, we work towards making a positive impact, one digital connection at a time.

Rochelle, a valuable addition to the Honohono team. With over 20 years of project management and delivery experience, she brings a warm and open nature, combined with strong technical and business skills, as well as a natural leadership style. Rochelle values working collaboratively and connecting with people from all walks of life.

Chantel Matthews has joined the Honohono Tātou Katoa Team as Kaimahi. With over 20 years of experience in both creative and corporate roles, Chantel brings a wealth of expertise in project management and community engagement. She will be working alongside Hera to enhance our engagement with Tangata whenua, leveraging her skills in leadership, strategic planning, and creative direction.