South Island – Jaimee Thomas

Ko Jaimee tōkū Ingoa,

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

He 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. I have previous experience within the Tamariki Ora Well Child service, which really kick started my passion for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and infant feeding promotion.

National – Women’s Health Action

The team at Women’s Health Action serve as our National He Wāhi Haumaru Champions. They can support establishments across the motu where a local Champion is not yet in place.

South Auckland – Te Rito Ora

The team at Te Rito Ora (TRO) are the He Wāhi Haumaru Champions 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.