Jaimee Thomas – South Island

Ko Jaimee tōkū Ingoa,

I am the South Island He Wāhi Haumaru Kaimanaaki working to ensure that whānau our have access to supportive spaces.

Kaimahi Ahau ki te Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust, e te rōpū ō Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy Service.

Hello everyone! My name is Jaimee, and I am the co-ordinator for the Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy Service. My background is in public health and health promotion. However, I have always had a keen interest and pēpi, tamariki, and whānau health and wellbeing. My role previous to this was with the Tamariki Ora Well Child Service, which really kick started my passion for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and infant feeding promotion.

Amelia Marsh – Northland

Ko Amelia tōkū Ingoa,

I am the Northland He Wāhi Haumaru Kaimanaaki working to ensure that whānau our have access to supportive spaces.

I am a Breastfeeding Advocate for Te Rarawa Anga Mua in Kaitāia, where I support and uplift māmā and whānau on their breastfeeding journeys. I am a passionate advocate for breastfeeding and women’s health, and bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my mahi.

As a proud mama to three boys, I understand the joys and challenges of motherhood. My work is grounded in aroha, manaakitanga, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of whānau and their pēpi. I am dedicated to creating safe, informed, and empowering spaces for whānau to thrive.

Women’s Health Action – National

The team at Women’s Health Action will serve as our National He wāhi haumaru Kaimanaaki. They will be available to support establishments in any region of the motu where a local Kaimanaaki is not yet in place.

Te Rito Ora – South Auckland

The team at Te Rito Ora (TRO) are the He Wāhi Haumaru Kaimanaaki for South Auckland.

Te Rito Ora (TRO) is a Te Whatu Ora funded initiative supporting whaanau in Counties Manukau with breastfeeding, infant, and adult nutrition advice. Our team works alongside Maaori, Pacific, and South Asian communities, offering culturally responsive, practical support from pregnancy until peepi is two years old. We value whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga, whakarongo, and kotahitanga, ensuring our services are co-designed with the people we serve. Our Kaitipu Ora workers bring strong community connections, while our Lactation Consultant provides specialist breastfeeding care. Together, we aim to reduce health inequities and empower whaanau with knowledge and skills for lifelong wellbeing.