Marie Calderbank

HSA New Zealand Lead

“Life is too important to be taken seriously.”
– Oscar Wilde

About Me

I have been involved in the disability sector for many years. I trained as a Learning Disability nurse in the UK in the early 90’s. I am passionate about inclusion and person-centered practices.
Through the journey of the organization I work for (Tautoko Services) I have become very interested in self-managing organizations and how they can nourish and nurture people, their skills and talents.

What others like and admire about me

  • I am kind and approachable
  • I have a good sense of humor
  • I am not afraid to challenge
  • I am a clear thinker, wise and a keen good listener
  • I have a calm approach

Whats important to me

  • To have a good work/life balance and make sure I have quality time with my partner, my son, his partner, my grandchild and my family, I really enjoy having every other Friday and Monday off, for a long weekend.
  • To have a hot shower before leaving the house and to eat breakfast, usually porridge in winter, fresh fruit and muesli in summer.
  • To spend time with like-minded people who share the same person-centred values and thinking skills.
  • To have fun and humour at work.
  • To feel organised and that I am achieving things, love it when I tick things off the to do list.
  • To spend time with people that we support.
  • To have time to plan and be involved in exciting stuff rather than just the day to day operational work.
  • The team feels supported.
  • To work within budget and ensure we remain viable.
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How best to support me

  • Be clear, honest and direct with me, I really don’t mind and cope better with this than people avoiding issues or talking around them.
  • Use humour, I love sarcasm (unfortunately!)
  • I need time alone to think, I benefit from working away from the office at least one day a week.
  • If I am quiet I could be either upset or thinking about something, ask me if I am ok or just need time to think. If I am upset about something I need time to process what I am feeling and why.
  • I like to finish things I have started; this may hold me back from starting new things.
  • I need opportunities to just vent and to actually reflect and bounce ideas around with the management team.
  • I need one good latte a day!
  • I need time out of the office at least once during the day, this can be combined with my need for one good latte!
  • I am very sensitive to strong perfume and scented smells like air fresheners.
  • I can’t concentrate in meetings etc. if people are pen clicking, sorry.