Donna Copeland

My name is Donna Copeland, Mediator, Counsellor, DV Facilitator. I am of Ngati Pikiao, Ngati Makino and Ngai Te Rangi descent. I enjoy working with whanau, and hapu, supporting whanau to develop agreeable pathways to move forward. My work with Men’s Groups has supported me to develop confidence and firm boundaries dealing with power and control issues. I work to enable all parties to feel heard and validated, to support parents to develop plans to raise their children and co-parent effectively through a well developed parenting plan.

As a Maori woman, it is important to me that the principals of mana, manaaki, and aroha underpin my work. The application of these principals will support people to be heard, share their story, and feel empowered during the process to share their views with other parties. I believe in transparency, holding confidentiality as paramount and working collaboratively with parties to support them to reach agreement and noting areas where agreement cannot be reached.

My husband is of Ngati Awa descent, and we have a blended family of 9 children and 28 grandchildren. I am most proud of my life journey and the hope that it provides for others with adverse childhood experiences. I find relaxation in my garden, swimming, the sun, and all things homesteading. I love my life and feel truly grateful and content.