The person behind Pipiri

Ko Kāi Tahu te iwi, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki te hapū, Ko Olivia Van der Veen tōku ingoa.

Pipiri is the birth month of my son, who inspires my work. I aim to give back to te taiao (the world) what I hope he will receive.

With twelve years in the prevention sector, I’ve worked in government and NGO roles. I began as a rehabilitation facilitator for Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) and later became a Senior Advisor of Kaupapa Māori, supporting professional growth through a Tiriti lens. I’ve also partnered with health practitioners to support whānau hauora and contributed to harm prevention research.

I live in the Wairarapa with my whānau and travel across the lower North Island for mahi.

I was honoured to receive the Business Wairarapa Pakihi Māori Award for contributions to business and cultural development.

I’m passionate about kaupapa Māori services and committed to advancing a Tiriti-led society that honours our people’s strengths and values.