Family Support Coordinator – Waikato

Originally from Waimate, Trish has lived in Te Awamutu with her family for the past five years. Her husband, Barry, is from the UK, and together they have three daughters. Twins Ella and Abi were born at 29.5 weeks in Osnabrück, Germany, in 2004 while Barry was on a military posting.

Their NICU journey was challenging, with no family or friends nearby and the added difficulty of navigating medical terms in German. However, the support from NICU staff made a huge difference. Five years later, they were fortunate to return with their daughters to visit the NICU. Their third daughter, Kate, was born in New Zealand, arriving just past her due date.

NICU has touched Trish’s family in many ways, as two of her sisters have also experienced NICU journeys in Christchurch. When not supporting families on the ward, she works with international exchange students as a local coordinator for Student Travel Schools and enjoys hosting students in her home.