Naaz’s story: “A lot of the residents became my friends.”

“A lot of the residents became my friends. Even now, when I pass their community, I still go in and see them.”

Originally from Fiji, Naaz moved to New Zealand 16 years ago. After the Christchurch earthquakes, she relocated to Auckland and soon joined HBH. It was her first workplace in New Zealand and remains the only place she has worked since arriving.

Naaz admits that aged care felt daunting at first.

“I remember thinking, ‘Why did I take this job?’”

A colleague encouraged her not to give up.

“She said, ‘When everybody else can do it, why can’t you? You can do it.’ That encouraged me.”

Naaz carried that encouragement with her. Today, she makes a point of supporting new staff because she understands how overwhelming the first few weeks can feel.

“When new staff come, I help them. I want to support them while they learn.”

Over the years, Naaz has worked across several HBH communities. The connections she has formed with residents remain the most meaningful part of her work.

“They tell me they are so glad to see me,” she says.

For Naaz, good care means knowing each resident as a person, listening well and building trust. Those relationships have taught her one lesson above all others.

“Patience. That is the best thing I have learned, especially when you care for someone.”

The loss of a resident still affects her, particularly when she has supported someone for a long time.

“You become close to people, so it is always sad.”

Naaz also places strong value on honesty and personal responsibility.

“If I make a mistake, I say it was my mistake. Even if nobody saw me, I would still go and tell someone what happened.”

Her advice to anyone starting at HBH is simple.

“Have patience and be honest. Those are the most important things.”

Naaz finds it hard to believe that 15 years have passed.

“It doesn’t feel like 15 years. If HBH wasn’t a good place, I wouldn’t still be here.”

Through her patience, honesty and genuine care for others, Naaz has made a lasting contribution across HBH. Congratulations, Naaz, and thank you for everything you bring to our community.