Maureen Wood, 71, says retiring is not something she thinks about very often. Photo / Richard Robinson
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For more than 40 years, working with the intellectually disabled has been a way of life for dyed-in-the-wool Westie Maureen Wood.
Today's Unsung Hero nominee has lived in Auckland's western suburbs - latterly in Kelston - for about 65 of her 71 years.
When her eldest daughter, Jackie, now
50, was born with Down syndrome, it began for Mrs Wood a career spent helping those with special needs.
She was one of a small group to start an IHC service in West Auckland in the late 1970s, and for 23 years - until last year - was president of IHC's West/Central Auckland branch.
That organisation has changed its structure this year, but she is still in charge.
The work involves supporting and speaking for the intellectually disabled and their families. She is also a member of IHC's national council and a former chairwoman of both its national advocacy board, and the northern region's family advisory service.
Her experience in the field has seen her serve as a Health Ministry auditor and she continues to work part time auditing residential services for Intellectual Disability care agency and Mental Health.
Mrs Wood is also involved in wider health issues, serving as chairwoman of Waitakere Health Link since 2001, and with Waitakere City Council.
She says her work has two main goals. In the field of intellectual disabilities, it is "advocating for the rights of people to be treated like everyone else", while in the wider health sector it is "to make sure the community is involved, and people have their rights".
Mrs Wood is not one to think about retiring, although she occasionally tells herself she might call it a day "in a couple of years".
When asked how she feels about being nominated, Mrs Wood is quick to downplay her accomplishments.
"I just feel like hundreds of other people deserve it. It's really flattering. It's great to think people out there think enough of me to nominate me."
