Verna's role as a Whānau Direct - Whānau Ora Navigator / Emergency Housing allows her to appreciate being a listening ear and key support for whānau facing challenges. Verna sees herself as an enabler, helping others reach their potential and affirming them when they reach their goals.

She is driven to help people accomplish their own goals, to enrich and nourish themselves as individuals as well as their whānau.

Creating art with her mokopuna, writing poetry, and reading are some of the ways she values her time beyond the workplace. She is very proud of being a Mum to her children and even more so, watching them parent her grandchildren so well.

Verna holds a Diploma of Whānau Ora, Te Reo Māori (Level 4), and a Diploma of Social Services.