Traverse Your Pathway With Truth and Conviction
Tracks
Springbrook Room
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |
| 1:50 PM - 2:20 PM |
Overview
Haehaetu Barrett, The Lifewise Trust
Speaker
Ms Haehaetu Barrett
Chief Executive
The Lifewise Trust
Traverse your pathway with truth and conviction
Abstract
‘Takahia tou ara o te whakapono’
Traverse your pathway with truth and conviction.
Haehaetu Barrett epitomises the aspirations of our tūpuna (ancestral) values, especially Mana Motuhake (self-determination, with the principle being autonomy and control). Motivated by creating opportunities for workforce growth, development, and excellence, Haehaetu has traversed a 30-year career under the mentoring of notable elders and leaders within the Mental Health & Addictions space.
Haehaetu will take us on a journey of revitalisation, acknowledging our whakapapa (genealogy/knowledge) as a sector and sharing insights and learnings that will challenge practice, values, and strengthen our workforce for the future.
Colleague Jolie Leach will share insights from her personal lived experience and her work with Lifewise Community outreach services as a clinician and peer worker.
Embedded in a Te Ao Māori view, Haehaetu commands accountability from the government, decision-makers, and organisations, advocating for the voices of whānau dealing with high rates of substance use, mental health issues, and childhood trauma reflecting systemic discrimination, racism, economic marginalisation, and long-term assimilationist policies.
As the Chief Executive of Lifewise, Haehaetu supports her workforce of some 400 to excel in their practice, with truth and conviction. A renowned leader for the people, Haehaetu will continue to fight social injustice, utilising her position to influence positive change and oranga.
Traverse your pathway with truth and conviction.
Haehaetu Barrett epitomises the aspirations of our tūpuna (ancestral) values, especially Mana Motuhake (self-determination, with the principle being autonomy and control). Motivated by creating opportunities for workforce growth, development, and excellence, Haehaetu has traversed a 30-year career under the mentoring of notable elders and leaders within the Mental Health & Addictions space.
Haehaetu will take us on a journey of revitalisation, acknowledging our whakapapa (genealogy/knowledge) as a sector and sharing insights and learnings that will challenge practice, values, and strengthen our workforce for the future.
Colleague Jolie Leach will share insights from her personal lived experience and her work with Lifewise Community outreach services as a clinician and peer worker.
Embedded in a Te Ao Māori view, Haehaetu commands accountability from the government, decision-makers, and organisations, advocating for the voices of whānau dealing with high rates of substance use, mental health issues, and childhood trauma reflecting systemic discrimination, racism, economic marginalisation, and long-term assimilationist policies.
As the Chief Executive of Lifewise, Haehaetu supports her workforce of some 400 to excel in their practice, with truth and conviction. A renowned leader for the people, Haehaetu will continue to fight social injustice, utilising her position to influence positive change and oranga.
Biography
Haehaetu Barrett, CEO of Lifewise Aotearoa, has a 30-year background in Māori leadership, mental health, and addiction services. Born and raised in Te Koutu Rotorua, she upholds the voices of those with lived experience, aligning with the values of her tūpuna (ancestors). Appointed to the City Centre Advisory Panel, she provides strategic advice for Auckland's development. Recognised nationally and internationally speaking at conferences on indigenous well-being, mental health, and addictions, Māori Hauora (holistic wellbeing), and homelessness, she was a top 10 semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year 2023, highlighting her dedication to social justice and advocacy for marginalised communities.
