Wanda Hebberd - ManagerKia Ora, my name is Wanda Hebberd and I am born and bred from Picton, going to Picton Primary School and also the first enrolled in Queen Charlotte College. My family are from Waikawa my mums side of Huntleys and my dad is MacDonald from the Wairau. My whānau shifted to Blenheim when I was 16 and I worked as a journey woman at Marlborough Lingerie and then Blencraft and went off and got married and had a family. I had 4 children and settled in a place called Rarangi, Cloudy Bay. My whānau had our own freight and courier company and after a few years doing that I went into the Health and disability sector as a carer at a rest home and hospital where I found my niche. I became an Office Manager and 2IC to the Nurse Manager, and PA to the General Manager. When I came back from a big OE, I took on the role of team leader in a high needs home for Idea Services. I was there for 14 years and then retired as I needed to find myself and for some reason that pathway brought me to Papatūānuku. I took on the part time role as Administrator and was later on offered the managers role. I have always had a passion for helping people to have a normal place in the community, to empower them and believe in themselves so that they can achieve to live their lives as normal as possible.
MEET OUR STAFF
There is one Manager, one Administrator, nine part time Support Workers and a Property Manager at the Trust.
The Trust has been fortunate to have had dedicated Staff who have made many sacrifices and many gains for their Residents over all the years it has operated. The Staff become part of the team and participate as any other team would, showing support and guidance where needed. As well as the day to day management of the welfare of residents.
Tina Spence - Accounts ManagerI discovered Papatūānuku Independency Trust after dropping a resident off home one evening and now excited to be part of the team. Originally from Bluff in the deep south, I moved to beautiful Marlborough ten years ago. I feel so blessed to live in such a lovely spot with my husband, three daughters and extended whanau. In between, I've travelled a lot, mainly Australia, Europe, Nepal and lived in Aberdeen, Scotland for ten years. My work background was hugely administration, working in the oil industry and on the rigs for a lot of that time. Followed by support and care work for the past ten years, I really enjoy seeing people grow.
Mary - Support StaffHi my name is Mary, my husband and I moved to Picton area 8 years ago from Darfield. I have been working in the care industry for approx. 8 years and enjoy the challenge of looking after vulnerable people. I have spent most of my life working in hospitals, aged care facilities, access and IHC in Blenheim. I am privileged to have the chance to work at Papatūānuku Independency Trust. The environment in which we work in is stunning and along with every Resident at Papatūānuku being unique, this brings a ray of sunshine to my work. Every Resident has their own personality and this ensures plenty of laughter and yes there are sometimes tears, but everything has a peaceful ending. My moto throughout my life has been “treat everybody the way I would like to be treated” that is with empathy and respect. I will continue to do this at Papatūānuku Trust. I love working at the Trust.
Therese - Support StaffI have been working at Papatūānuku Trust for over 11 years, and it has become part of my extended family. I really enjoy helping the residents, watching them grow and making them happy with their lives. I also love watching my own sons develop into amazing young men. Why I like working at Papatūānuku: I have my very own rainbow family up at the trust, I get as much enjoyment and job satisfaction back from our residents, in the way of laughter, self-growth and enjoyment of their lives. I love watching them interact and share tier enjoyment, and having the freedom to be the amazing people they are.
Lesleyanne - Support StaffI started at the Trust in 2019 and have enjoyed being part of the residents’ lives and being part of a great team of support staff. Some of the things I enjoy doing include rowing every Sunday with the Picton rowing club, tramping/walking, performing in a kapa haka group and gardening. After having a year off it is good to be back catching up with everyone and seeing all the positive changes.
Jen - Support StaffHello, my name is Jen. I am a local from Picton, having lived in Picton for 27 years. I was originally from the UK but moved here 27 years ago and love it. I started at Papatūānuku Trust because I see what amazing work they have been doing with people who are more vulnerable than myself, and want to pay it back in any way I can. I love the happy family environment at the Trust and the interaction with the residents is like an extended family. I love watching how they go about their every day lives and are so happy in the environment they live. The atmosphere at Papatūānuku is one of joy and happiness, with the residents at the centre of everything that is done and every decision that is made. Working at Papatūānuku isn’t like going to work, it a place that gives so much happiness that it’s a pleasure and a joy to be here.
Ann - Support StaffI started at the Trust in 2019 and have enjoyed being part of the Residents lives and being part of a great team of support staff. Some of the things I enjoy doing include rowing every Sunday with the Picton rowing club, tramping/walking, performing in a kapa haka group and gardening. After having a year off it is good to be back catching up with everyone and seeing all the changes.
