There’s huge respect for her commitment to improve the lives of children.
What was your recent recognition by Stand Tū Māia for?
I was honoured by the Stand Tū Māia Board with a celebration Te kuku o te Manawa (beloved one) to mark 46 years of service, beginning with my career during the days of the Health Camp. Huge thanks to The Hon. Simeon Brown, and The Hon. Karen Chhour (Minister for Children) for their attendance. We also celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Stand Tū Māia.
What does Stand Tū Māia do?
Stand is a specialist not-for-profit, established in 2000. We have a 100-year legacy of creating social value. We provide trauma capable treatment and intensive support to help children and families heal scars of adversity, build resilient family life and take their place as equal citizens.
What are the positive aspects of the work?
Playing a small part in change and experiencing children and families taking steps towards healing, reconnection and recovery is always a reason to continue. Seeing smiles on children’s faces when they receive new pyjamas, clothing or their own blanket. The delight and often disbelief at Christmas when Santa visits with gifts for all, the happy chaos of too much sugar and childhood experiences. When adults come to visit the village and talk of their happy childhood memories of their time with us, I know we’ve worked a little magic.
Why did you choose this work?
From a very early age I was attracted to working with children. They have in the past been unseen and unheard and their lives impacted by adult / parental issues beyond their control. I appreciate the honesty and curiosity of children. If I can support the creation of a few happy childhood memories, I know this does make a difference. Over the years I’ve met up with adults who remember a day fishing at the marina, learning to tie a shoelace, feeling safe and cared for, or having their own bed and toothbrush. Such simple reminders of things many of us take for granted.
What can we do collectively in society to improve the well-being of our nation’s children?
Be involved in your community and neighbourhood. Use empathy and compassion in your everyday thoughts and actions. Offer kindness to neighbours, a smile and acknowledgement of others. Go for your walk in the mornings or afternoons when children are walking to and from school, get to know your neighbours. Be present. Pay it forward.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Auckland and grew up in Titirangi, Balmoral, Blockhouse Bay, Epsom, and Hillsborough. I attended Marist College in Mt Albert.
How far back does your connection to east Auckland go?
My great-grandparents and many of my mother’s family have lived in the Bucklands Beach and Howick area since the 1920s. As a child in the 1960s and 1970s, I was fortunate to spend many a school holiday enjoying the sand and sunshine at Bucklands Beach. I’ve lived in east Auckland for most of the past 46 years.
Your husband James Frost is another contributor to making better communities. How has he supported you?
James, and my adult children Sarajane and Alexander, have enabled me to work the hours, take the phone calls and be involved in the many additional functions, meetings and studies over the years. Without their understanding and consideration, I could not have dedicated so much time. James is a Freemason and the local Masonic Lodges have actively engaged with Stand Tū Māia for well over 50 years. One of James’s reasons for becoming involved with Freemasonry was because of the charitable / benevolence work Freemasons NZ provides. He’s a member of the Pakuranga Lodge, one of three Lodges that meet at Highland Park Masonic Centre.
What are your favourite places in east Auckland?
I truly appreciate and feel blessed to have Eastern and Bucklands Beaches on my doorstep. A walk or drive to Te Naupata / Musick Point is enough to soothe a difficult day, with the ocean breeze, the dancing waters of the Waitemata, comfort for the soul. These spaces reinforce for me that everything is in order, but constantly changing. Accept the things I cannot change and have the courage to change the things I can.
If there was anything you’d like changed what would it be?
The Ministries of Health, Education and Social Development recognising that children’s welfare and well-being does not neatly fit into any one domain. Collaboration and multidisciplined, multi-funded approaches are necessary to create sustainable change.
