It is important that the people who use Hauora Tairāwhiti services get a say in how they are delivered and monitored. In Maternity Consumer Reps have been sitting on our Maternity Quality and Safety Committee for some time.
They bring the views and feedback of other mums who have used our services. Most recently our Consumer Representative has been Vesna Radonich. A call for volunteers has seen three new mums, representing a wide range of parents in Tairāwhiti, recruited into the role.
Meet Jess Pomare
Baby Manahi, Dad James, Te Ariki and Jess
Ko Mauao me Pukekararo nga maunga
Ko Tauranga me Kaipara nga moana
Ko Ngaiterangi me Ngati Whatua nga iwi
Ko Mataatua me Mahuhu-ki-te-rangi nga waka
Ko te Whanau o Tauwhao me Te Uri o Hau nga hapu
Ko Otawhiwhi me Otamatea nga marae
It is an honour to be able to provide a voice as a maternity consumer for our community. I am hoping I will be able to connect with our younger mums as well as our Māori and Pacific people within our community. I come from a large whānau and through them have networks into Te Ako Ora, Women's Refuge and with other young mums.
My experience with Gisborne maternity services whilst carrying and giving birth to my two boys was exceptional. I had two very different births; emergency caesarean section and a vaginal birth. I believe that it is only fair that every other mum and pepe/baby, as well as their whānau, have a pleasant experience with our maternity services. Engaging with the community as a maternity consumer leader will hopefully extend the knowledge of what maternity services provided in Tairāwhiti, as well as making any improvements that may be necessary.
By working together as one, we can achieve more - He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He Kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.
Meet Alanah Reed
Alanah, son Beauden and Shane
I am born and raised here in sunny Gisborne. I have 3 children Kaitlyn 14, Mac 12 and my IVF baby Beauden, 20 months. My grandfather's family come from Tokomaru Bay and we spend many summer days there relaxing and spending time with family.
I have a background in social work which I gained through Wintec and did my classes at EIT. I hope to hear many stories of people experiences in maternity that can help to make maternity better than ever.
I am an administrator of the Yummy Mummies Facebook page and a Nursery Merchandiser at Farmers Department store. I used to work for Plunket. I am also involved with other mums through the Infertility Support Group and my children's activities.
Meet Jess Claffey
Jess, Patrick, Myah, Mike and Finn Claffey
I am a mum to 3 beautiful children including a set of twins. We live on a sheep and beef station an hour inland of Gisborne.
I became a maternity consumer representative in August 2016 but had a bit of time off while looking after my newborn twins. I am back and ready to take on the role again. I really enjoyed working as a consumer and taking part in all community events, and doing the maternity survey in April 2017.
I really enjoyed speaking to other mums about the services that are in our community. I am involved with Rural Mums and meet other parents through my children's activities.