Having Dr Hinemoa Elder as a mentor and tuakana has been life-changing for my overall wellbeing and hauora. As a writer and a creative, the work I do can often feel isolating and lonely. During the course of last year I was writing about heavy topics while also dealing with some personal challenges which were impacting my mahi. I felt understood, seen, embraced and guided by Hinemoa who is not only an expert in her field as a psychiatrist, but an established writer and proud wahine Māori. It was a safe space for me to talk honestly about my struggles while receiving support from a tuakana who has already navigated the same challenging paths I am currently on.
Hinemoa helped me understand how hauora and creative wellbeing are intrinsically connected. I was equipped with practical steps that allowed me to produce my best creative work yet. During the course of our mentorship I was able to complete a 100,000 word manuscript for my second novel. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the guidance of Hinemoa. I am incredibly grateful for her knowledge, wisdom and time. Nōku te waimarie, nōku te hōnore!
