Ma Matoa : simplebooklet.com

What differences have you noticed overthe past 15 years?So much, has changed in 15 years. Mainstreammedia has made a remarkable difference. 15years ago, it was very rare to read stories ofsurvivors or those whose lives have beenimpacted by road crashes in the newspaper. Now, we now have a choice and variety ofmedia platforms and content. It really hashelped to connect and engage people.Any thoughts on Governance?I never intended to grow into Governance. Itjust happened. Like everyone who starts out,you learn to grow into the role. It is always,important to reflect, learn from eachexperience. Education is so vitally important. I am so verygrateful for so many wonderful mentors whohave provided me with so much wisdom andguidance. It is so vital you learn to adapt andgrow as a person. Lastly, the most important value I hold, is toensure you provide opportunities for others. We sat down to have a chat and interviewwith Sarah Dean, Kaiwhakarewa of theNational Road Trauma Centre.Sarah, you founded the Trust 15 yearsago. What a wonderful milestone.What is your story, is there anythingyou have not shared?Thank you so much. Looking back all theseyears, it certainly has given me a lot of timefor reflection. I am so grateful for thewonderful opportunities, the people. For methe highlight is the opportunity to meetpeople from all walks of life. I am so gratefulthat a lot of people have entrusted me.Founding a Charitable Trust as I started torealise is no easy feat.What many people do not know is that I grewup in the charitable sector. My father, workedin fundraising for charitable trusts. As a youngchild, I was always engaged in charitablework. Photo shoots, door knock appeals,bucket holding - you name it! As I grew older it was art auctions, fun runsand fashion shows. To me this was normal. When the time came to establish the Trust, Ithought it was very common , but as I grewinto the role. I started to realise - howuncommon it is.Kaiwhakarewa

What has been the most enjoyableWhat has been the most enjoyablefeature of your role (over the past 15feature of your role (over the past 15years).years).It is always the people. I am so very grateful forIt is always the people. I am so very grateful foreach and every person I meet. When someoneeach and every person I meet. When someoneshares their personal story, I feel so very honored.shares their personal story, I feel so very honored.It really is something, to have met someone whoIt really is something, to have met someone whohas had similar personal experience to you. I amhas had similar personal experience to you. I amalso so very respectful of what others share.also so very respectful of what others share. We thought you stepped down! WhatWe thought you stepped down! Whathappened?happened?Yes, I did. I was always there in the backgroundYes, I did. I was always there in the backgroundproviding support. I definitely needed a sabbatical.providing support. I definitely needed a sabbatical.Not everyone can work the same role. Being aNot everyone can work the same role. Being aFounder is hard work. There is a lot of long hoursFounder is hard work. There is a lot of long hoursand late nights (like painting white crosses atand late nights (like painting white crosses at1.00am)!1.00am)! I am grateful for the support from so many withinI am grateful for the support from so many withinthe sector. It was one ‘pep talk’ from a highlythe sector. It was one ‘pep talk’ from a highlyrespected senior leader in the sector that made merespected senior leader in the sector that made merealise, if I left the Trust, it would no longer berealise, if I left the Trust, it would no longer behere.here. The last couple of years, we have kept things ratherThe last couple of years, we have kept things rathersimple and quiet. I am not as young as I once wassimple and quiet. I am not as young as I once waswhen I Founded the Trust. I am very excited andwhen I Founded the Trust. I am very excited andenergised for our future.energised for our future. Do you find it difficult working in theDo you find it difficult working in thesector, given your historic crashes?sector, given your historic crashes?Although my crashes, happened some time ago.Although my crashes, happened some time ago.There will always be moments, when you reflect onThere will always be moments, when you reflect onyour personal experiences. How it shaped you.your personal experiences. How it shaped you.Where your life is today.Where your life is today. It is very normal to be triggered at times. It is soIt is very normal to be triggered at times. It is soimportant to look after yourself too.important to look after yourself too. Is there any advice you would like to give toIs there any advice you would like to give tosomeone who is currently affected by a road crash?someone who is currently affected by a road crash?It is so very important to focus on your recovery toIt is so very important to focus on your recovery toallow your body to heal. Ensure you have the rightallow your body to heal. Ensure you have the rightpeople supporting you e.g. GP, Physiotherapist.people supporting you e.g. GP, Physiotherapist.Make sure you surround yourself with good, positiveMake sure you surround yourself with good, positivepeople.people. Your life may be changed in some way, but it doesYour life may be changed in some way, but it doesnot stop here.not stop here.What would you recommend to anyone whoWhat would you recommend to anyone whowould like to start up their own charitablewould like to start up their own charitabletrust?trust?The charitable sector really is a great place to be.The charitable sector really is a great place to be.You get to meet and engage with so many people.You get to meet and engage with so many people.It really is a privilege.It really is a privilege. Like all start ups, be prepared for a lot of mahi. DoLike all start ups, be prepared for a lot of mahi. Doyour research, look at the statistics. If there is ayour research, look at the statistics. If there is aniche in the market. Go for it!niche in the market. Go for it! Charities Services have implemented a lot ofCharities Services have implemented a lot ofchanges to the sector recently. They really focuschanges to the sector recently. They really focusand encourage you to look at strong governance. Itand encourage you to look at strong governance. Itreally has been very encouraging to see.really has been very encouraging to see. Make sure you have a good strong foundation. TheMake sure you have a good strong foundation. The right people and right fit. Having people who alignright people and right fit. Having people who alignwith your values, mission and purpose are so verywith your values, mission and purpose are so veryimportant.important. Also never be discouraged. At the end of your life,Also never be discouraged. At the end of your life,think about - what would I have wanted to achieve?think about - what would I have wanted to achieve?What difference have I made to the lives for others?What difference have I made to the lives for others?What long term benefits will this bring? For meWhat long term benefits will this bring? For mepersonally, that keeps me going.personally, that keeps me going. ..

Ma Matoa

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3