Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui – Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.
Kia ora koutou
Ko te Aitanga-a-Hauiti mea Ngapuhi ngā iwi
He nēhi mātanga hāpai Māori ahau ki Te Whatu Ora ki Waitaha
Ko Cassandra Staps tōku ingoa
I work as a Māori nurse consultant for Specialty and Addiction Service in Waitaha.
I have been working in mental health since the early 90s. I am passionate about flourishing mental health nurses and empowering healthcare professionals to engage effectively with Māori and deliver culturally responsive care.
Outside of my mahi I draw inspiration from my whānau, especially my three mokopuna, Meihana, Maraina and Māhia, whose love and curiosity continue to motivate my commitment to equitable and just healthcare for all Māori.
I am deeply committed to improving care pathways and outcomes for all tangata whaiora who enter mental health services particularly Māori tangata whaiora and whānau Māori.