Helena Tuteao

Ko Taupiri te maunga.  Ko Waikato te awa.  Ko Tainui te waka.  Ko Ngati Mahuta te hapu.  Ko Poihakena te Marae. Ko Tainui te iwi.  Ko Helena Tuteao ahau.

Tena koutou katoa, my name is Helena Tuteao. 

Helena is on the Waikato Leadership Group of Enabling Good Lives (EGL) and they have co-designed four action areas that use the EGL vision and principles so disabled people and whānau can have choice and control over the supports received. 

She feels they were very successful in showing a different way of doing things that continues to achieve this for participants. 

Helena believes all disabled people and whānau need to be making and influencing decisions at all levels and directing the supports received.  During her time on the Waikato Leadership Group, she has been involved in planning, organising and co-facilitating Disability Forums and continues to witness and be a part of the power of voice, collective strength and connectivity and hear what is important for disabled people.    

When Helena is not busy with Waikato Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group commitments and co-design commitments, she is completing her final paper in her Bachelor in Social Work and am the mother of two beautiful children who also keep her busy and they have lots of fun.  During her spare time (though not much these days) she enjoys listening to audio books and baking.