Ka tangi te titi
Weaving Wellness – Whanau Ora
November 2015
In This Issue
Number 9
Arnica’s Story
This story was recently posted
on our webpage but we think it
 Arnica’s Story
is such an inspirational story;
 Problem
we decided to share it again.
Gambling
Congratulations Arnica, we are
 Kohanga Ora
happy you are on board, and so
launch
impressed by your amazing
journey.
Recently we welcomed Arnica
Harris to the position of
Addictions Services Consumer
Advocate. The role involves advocating for our clients and contributing to
Contact Us
continuous service improvement in a setting of excellence. Arnica, who is very
passionate about her own journey with our agency, jumped at the chance when
92 Spey Street
she was offered the role. She views her new position as the stepping stone to a
Invercargill
new chapter in her life.
Arnica has led a challenging life through foster homes, alcohol addiction and
Ph: (03) 214 5260
brushes with the wrong side of the law. This story is just a snippet of events from
Fax: (03) 214 5262
her life.
Free phone:
“I’m not a victim; I know I’m not a saint. A lot of this is self-inflicted.” Arnica
hopes her story will help other suffering addicts. “I want people to know you get
0800 925 242
the most growth out of the worst events that have happened to you in your life.
But, know that there is a way out. Anything is possible.”
Check out our website
Her journey at Nga Kete has helped her realize her potential and the bright future
that lies ahead.
Find us on Facebook This is Arnica’s story:
Arnica, who was born in Whangarei, spent her childhood moving across the
country from foster home to foster home.
It wasn’t where she wanted to be and rebellion kicked in at a very young age.
“I was rebellious from the very start, and it gradually got worse the older I got.”
Hours
She felt as though she didn’t fit it anywhere – “I didn’t have an identity” – and
Monday-Friday
would often get angry and run away from her foster homes, which is when she
9am-5pm
was introduced to the drinking culture. Getting expelled from school wasn’t an
Late night
uncommon occurrence.
Thursday by
At 15 she was placed in a flatting situation but the rebellion worsened, she
appointment.
started mixing with the wrong crowd and the drinking increased.
Her financial debt started spiraling out of control as she jumped from flat to flat.
Things “mellowed out” for a while after she met a man.
“I was still drinking but there were no cells or arrests.”
But it wasn’t long before her drinking started to increase again and the
For people who have a relationship soon plummeted.
Arnica’s drinking became a need to suppress rather than to have fun. She would
problem with
drink a 12 to 24 pack a day depending on how much money she had.
gambling, Christmas
“I was the naughty kid, but it was normal. I knew no different. I didn’t realize I
can be an extremely
was capable of anything more. I thought my life was going to stay the same, and I
was happy with it.”
stressful time.
In about 2008 she was introduced to Nga Kete but she wasn’t ready to make a
Remember, there is
change.
help out there!
Her mental state would be the catalyst for change.
You can also text your About three years ago Arnica referred herself and has been a client ever since
contact details to TXT participating in group work and counseling.
2 X. This programme
“The staff made me feel 100 per cent supported and they could see the change
allows an individual to happening in me.”
access the Multi Venue “They want you to succeed. They see your potential. They showed me my
potential. I’ve grown up in these rooms.”
Self Exclusion
Arnica’s last drink was March 14, 2014.
programme through a Arnica is enjoying her “new life”.
text message before
“I’ve realized I’m more than just a drunk. I’m intelligent. I’m a good speaker; I’m
an appointment is
a good mum, strong and very capable. I’ve got something to offer.”
“I know all of that (my life so far) had to happen to lead to this.”
made at NKMP to
Arnica, now a mother of two, has been renting a house for seven years (her
begin the application
process. MSVE allows longest home she has ever lived in), has learnt about stability and how important
it is.
you to exclude yourself “No matter the obstacles, I don’t have to run. I can stay grounded and get
from Invercargill
through it.”
gaming venues for
Arnica’s future is looking bright. She’s excited about the opportunity to work
within Nga Kete. She’s also enrolled at the Southern Institute of Technology to
three months to two
begin training in social services in the New Year.
years.
“I just want to succeed.”
Problem Gambling
Make an appointment
with NKMP and you
can expect one-to-one
support to the MSVE
application process
and introduction to
the problem gambling
counselor.
Kohanga Ora launch
This week we launched our new Kohanga Ora
project supported by Te Putahitanga Whanau
Ora Commission – A Nga Kete project led by our
own Sheryl Henare! The project aims to
strengthen nga Kohanga Reo, enhance
leadership and develop strong self management,
grow Whanau knowledge, skills, capabilities and
positive experiences and achieve supported
goals and aspirations!
Nau mai haere mai – Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu