“He kotuku rerenga tahi” – “a white heron’s flight is seen but once”

Our long-standing AOD clinician and OST Coordinator Jewel Reti died on April 7, 2020, after a long illness with cancer.

We recognise Jewels unwavering commitment to the kaupapa: the reduction of harm caused by alcohol and drugs in our community.

After many years of working in Opioid Substitution Treatment Service Jewel was seconded in 2019 to spearhead the development and introduction of Te Ara Oranga, a Northland DHB Joint venture with NZ Police to reduce Methamphetamine Demand in Northland.

Jewel has been central to the development and success of Te Ara Oranga and has championed the project to Ministers of Government and clinical colleagues across Aotearoa in her direct, no nonsense and determined way.

Te Ara Oranga gained widespread recognition and praise because of the tireless work Jewel did with this project, despite at the same time struggling with her illness and chemotherapy treatments over a long period of time.

“Her biggest inspiration for me was shown when she turned up to present with the team at the Problem Oriented Police awards in Wellington last month. She was very, very ill but hugely determined to do her part in presentation,” offered Superintendent Russell Le Prou.

“We know the effort it took her and the energy her illness took out of her just to do that presentation and we all loved her all the more for that. Jewel believed in Te Ara Oranga and was very proud to be a big part of what we developed and her part in it.”

Her commitment, determination and strength shone through as a nurse. Jewel worked from a solid framework for the mahi she undertook and had the clinical depth to back herself. She will be sadly missed by many.

“I worked with Jewel closely over 15 years ago. She was a fantastic nurse and leader and such a lovely lady – so courageous,” acknowledged Dr Nick Chamberlain.

Most of all though Jewel, was great person: real, honest, loyal and direct. She has made the world a better place and we will all miss her very much.

Jewel’s passion, professionalism, expertise and commitment to improving people’s lives that were struggling in Northland has had a huge impact on us all.

Even though the battle has been hard Jewel never wavered, and her determination is an inspiration.

We sadly acknowledge the passing of Wahine Toa Pam Armstrong. She was an amazing wahine, a guiding light, and a force for change. A hugely whānau-oriented person whose whānau and faith meant the world to her. 

Pam was also known for her love of people, mentorship, guidance, contagious laugh, and love of pani popo, among so many other things.

In her professional career, Pam dedicated her life to recovering and maintaining Tikanga Māori therapy and practice to help preserve Māori knowledge for future generations. 

The International Indigenous Council for Healing our Spirit Worldwide noted Pam was an active agitator within the global international Indigenous communities in breaking down the barriers of historical and ongoing colonisation of our people.

Many people have benefited from her staunch mahi for Indigenous health and wellbeing all over the world. Pam’s strength-based, positive approach to guiding whānau, hapū, and iwi has resulted in excellent outcomes by applying her knowledge to promote wellness.

As a practitioner and leader, Pam has always believed in working for the betterment of others. She worked tirelessly to promote Māori health and reduce health disparities. 

She offered her experiences, expertise, and resources to support whānau facing challenges in mental health and addictions, as well as multiple projects and research papers. She taught postgraduate classes at the University of Auckland and was previously GM for Mental Health and Addictions at (what was) Northland DHB. 

Recently, Pam was Clinical Director of Mental Health and Addictions for Ngāti Hine Health Trust with a laser focus on improving drug addiction rehabilitation and mental health services and was an integral part of developing mental health and addiction services both in Te Tai Tokerau and throughout Aotearoa, including moving Te Ara Oranga methamphetamine harm reduction programme forward in the North. 

Pam will be sorely missed by so many in our whānau, hapū, iwi and wider community.

Moe mai ra e te Rangatira hoki ki nga matua tupuna kua wehe, haere heare haere hoki atu.

Ngā mihi o te wā

Peter Thomas (he/him/his)

Te Rarawa

Manager Hauora Māori Tai Tokerau (Northland)