Veronica Thompson

Veronica (Ronnie) (Morehu, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Gua Leng) brings a broad range of skills and experience to her role from central and local government and the community sectors. 

Māori empowerment and development initiatives in youth, health, sport, social services, education and training disciplines have been a life-long focus. 

Adept at developing strategy for implementation, Ronnie draws from her lived experience and networks involved in haahi (Ratana) and kaupapa Māori (kohanga reo, kura kaupapa) for grounding her mahi to benefit flax-roots communities. 

A degree in psychology underpins her practical interest in cultures, equity and safety at individual and organisational levels.  Picking up te reo as a second-language learner in her 20's, Ronnie deems developing and maintaining whanaungatanga | positive relationships as a critical pillar to success in all realms of life.