Manaakitangata (Social Work) - ME Family Services

Manaakitangata
(Social Work)

The journey for change starts with the first step.

When you are ready, we will walk alongside you – guiding, supporting, and celebrating every step of your journey.

Our commitment to working in partnership with families, schools, and the community, centres on encouraging self-determination, strengthening bonds with culture, language, and whanau connection.

Your success is our success, and we endeavour to care for all those who seek our support.

Social Work in Schools (SWiS) for Tamariki and Whānau

Our SWiS staff are based at most Māngere primary and intermediate schools with the overarching goal to enhance life outcomes for vulnerable tamariki and their whānau. We do this by helping to identify areas for change in a way that is child-centred, family/whānau-led and culturally responsive.

Referrals can be made by tamariki and families/whānau (self-referrals), schools, statutory agencies or health/community agencies. Referrals to the Service are made with the knowledge and consent of families/whānau.

Contact us via your school office or:
ph: 09 256 0810 (extension 4)
email: referrals@mefsc.org.nz

ME Family Services Resource Room

Our Resource Room is an innovative way of meeting the needs of families and the wider community through regenerative practice.

We welcome and greatly appreciate donations of quality clothing, household goods, children/baby items, suitcases and more to circulate to those in need within our community.

Our Manaakitangata (Social Work) Team

Liza has over 25 years of Professional Social Work experience working with tamariki and whanau both in New Zealand and overseas. She has worked in communities, medical and mental health hospitals, adoption, foster care, sponsorship, family, child protection, and disability services. She has previous registrations with the Philippines’ Professional Regulation Commission, and the General Social Care Council (United Kingdom) and is currently registered with the Social Workers Registration Board Aotearoa New Zealand.

Liza is passionate about working with individuals who are committed to serving diverse communities and working through ongoing upskilling and professional development.
Liza is a registered, accredited trainer and coordinator of Seasons for Growth (SFG), and Stormbirds Programme under Seasons for Growth Aotearoa New Zealand License Council covering Auckland and the North of Auckland regions.

Liza dedicates her free time as a volunteer to the Cancer Society of Auckland, the Student Volunteer Army, and the NZ Red Cross. She also loves gardening and learning more about Tangata Whenua and our relationship with Papatūānuku.