Maria Bradshaw
Manager
Maria has a long history with Refuge beginning in 1991 when she and her 14 month old son were admitted to a Safe House as clients. Maria went on to work as a Child Advocate and then at NCIWR National Office first as a Training and Education Coordinator and then as a Policy Adviser.
Maria has an MBA from Auckland University and a passion for growing and developing feminist organisations and empowering women and children to achieve their goals. Maria is currently studying Te Reo and Tikanga at Te Wananga o Aotearoa.
Sonia Winikerei
Senior Advocate
Sonia is Ngati Tuwharetoa and her husband and children are Ngati Raukawa. Sonia has a Bachelor of Social Work and has worked for many years with Raukawa Iwi Social Services in the Family Start team.
Sonia is fluent in Te Reo and provides support and advocacy to women and children through a Te Ao Maori world view. She is about to commence a Masters in Indigenous Leadership.
Sonia provides practice leadership to the Advocates team, ensuring that best practice and professional standards are upheld. Sonia has led the design and delivery of a Te Ao Maori Women’s Empowerment Programme and has a passion for assisting women to recognise and achieve their potential.
Loren Henderson
Advocate
Loren has worked in the Support and Advocacy field for 2 years and has particular skill and expertise in developing and implementing safety plans alongside the women and children who are her clients. As a leader within Young Women’s Caucus, Loren brings expertise in preventing and responding to digital abuse and stalking.
Loren is the mother of a 10 year old daughter and 6 year old son and has a background in working with high needs clients. She has particular expertise in assisting our most high risk clients through the installation of alarms and home security upgrades.
Ngaroma Reti
Advocate
Ngaroma is Nga Puhi She has worked at the Tokoroa Council of Social Services for many years, most recently as a Truancy Officer.
Ngaroma is well known for going the extra mile for her clients and providing warm, compassionate and empathetic support and advocacy. She facilitates our women’s empowerment programme, supporting women to live free from violence and achieve their goals.
She is a mother and grandmother to her recently arrived mokopuna.
Dairne Hook
Advocate
Dairne is the mother of 4 children including 4 year old twins. She is a passionate advocate for women and has a particular interest in children’s advocacy and ensuring the needs of children are a priority in our service.
Sheree Treadaway-Hale
Administrator
Sheree is Ngati Raukawa having lived all her life in Tokoroa. She has recently completed a bachelor’s degree and takes care of the reception, administration and finance responsibilities at Te Rau Āwhina.