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Victim Support
Victim Support Christchurch volunteer support worker a finalist in Westfield Riccarton’s Local Heroes Awards
Victim Support feels proud that Mataara’s generosity of her time for others coping in emotionally charged situations has been acknowledged by Westfield Riccarton and our local community.
Mataara’s name was suggested by several of her colleagues as a volunteer who humbly makes a positive impact on victims’ lives.
Mataara and Mollie Howarth Victim Support Service Co-ordinator – Christchurch. Returning to New Zealand in 2018 after living overseas for several years, Mataara began studying Psychology, Māori and Indigenous Studies, and Law at University of Canterbury. She was looking for ways to help in the community as well, so in 2021 she trained with Victim Support as a volunteer support worker.
Mataara works across a variety of victims and situations with a skill set that makes a difference. She remains impartial yet helps people to see that others may have different ways of dealing with grief.
“Some just need to vent – they speak in confidence. Then we can look at practical help.”
She has a calming effect and ability to engage with high-risk people so their needs are linked with whoever can meet those needs and they feel heard. People sense that she has an insight in to their situation and she establishes rapport readily. She provides empathy (feelings) and understanding (knowledge).
Her parents are really supportive of her voluntary work with Victim Support. Her children worry about her dealing with sad cases (which cause her to give them extra hugs) but they are pleased she is helping others.
Her clients receive an outstanding, victim-centric service.
