Board Profile – Hina Short
Ko Mataatua tooku waka
Ko Taiarahia tooku maunga
Ko Hinemataroa tooku awa
Ko Tuhoe tooku iwi
Ko Te Mahurehure me Ngaati Rongo ooku hapu
Ko Te Ura Hina Short tooku ingoa
When I was approached to join Emerge’s Board, I felt priviledged and excited about the opportunity to work with an organisation with similar values and aims as myself, but for a specific group of people and workers. As a Board member I will draw on my experiences, knowledge, values and beliefs which were shaped greatly by my upbringing.
Being a Māori of Tuhoe descent with close links to my home through my Mum, Nanny, Koro, aunts, uncles and cousins lead me to believe that all New Zealanders played bull rush on the marae, went to bed with dirty feet and got woken up at dawn to the sound of comforting murmuring from kaumatua. Importantly, our marae was also a place of hotly debated issues.
Paired with my Dad’s side, an incredibly loving family of conscientious objectors, peaceful protestors and social justice professionals, I was unknowingly soaking up a set of values, beliefs and cultural understandings.
Therefore it is not surprising that I have found myself in the trade union movement, advocating and representing workers and their rights. Being in the trade union movement that encourages debate, champions equity, activism, collectivity and most importantly recognises that people are different and equal opportunity doesn’t necessarily achieve equitable outcomes.
I look forward to learning more and working with the Board, staff, clients and the hugely important employers who make it possible for our clients to achieve equitable outcomes.
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu.
