Local Hero: Puti Wipa provides friendly face

Rotorua woman Puti Wipa knows what it's like to lose someone to cancer and not know what to do, where to go and who to see.

That's the reason she's a volunteer at Aroha Mai Cancer Support Services. Ms Wipa, this week's The Daily Post Local Hero, lost her mother four years ago through ovarian cancer. She was only given seven weeks to live from the original diagnosis and Ms Wipa said the whanau did not know what to do.

"There was nothing the medical staff could do with her but we needed help ... We had to learn the hard way, how to go through things while she went through cancer."

Ms Wipa said they didn't know then about Aroha Mai's services, but eventually found out because unfortunately "cancer runs through both sides of the whanau".

"It wasn't until four other whanau members got put through the service," she said.

Ms Wipa said Aroha Mai offered support to cancer sufferers and their whanau. It also provided counselling and guidance, help with travel and the service will also advocate on behalf of the patients and their whanau.

Ms Wipa added that Aroha Mai was available to anyone, not only Maori.

She spends one day a week with Aroha Mai and usually mans the office and the front counter - she is responsible for the important first impression.

"I just keep the place tidy, making sure everyone is happy, and I'm available for anything else."

This year that means helping out with Aroha Mai's big fundraiser, the Matariki Ball, celebrating the Maori New Year on June 23.

"I've been given the logistics portfolio and looking after carparks, traffic and a whole lot of other things, amen."

There are other benefits voluntary work brings for Ms Wipa.

"It's fun knowing you can help people when they've got no one else to talk to. They come in here and you offer them a cup of tea and a chat, and when they leave here seeing them smile as they walk out the door is a real buzz. It makes me know I did something right today."

Doing things right is important. Ms Wipa wanted to stress that she always has her tests.

"I go for my mammogram and do all my tests and screening. Any little thing, lump or bump I'm off to my GP."

Tell us if you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition. Contact Whare Akuhata on (07) 348 6199 ext 57054, or email Whare.akuhata@dailypost.co.nz.