About Don

Ko Aoraki Te Mauka

Ko Waitaki Te awa

Ko Taki timu ta waka

Ko Horomoana Pohio Te tangata

Ko Kati Mamoe,Waitaha,Kai Tahu Te Iwi

No Arowhenua,Rapaki Te Hapu

Ko Werimu Tuna Pohio Rickus toko tepuna matua

Ko Jean Ngamaturangi Tau toko tepuna Whaia

Ko Derrick John Edward Warnes toko papa

Ko Gertrude April Mamae Warnes/née Rickus toko mama

Ko Don toko in Ingoa

I was born in Paraparaumu Wellington and married at 20 having 2 sons and 7 moko who live in Tauranga where I spent much of my early adult years working in the forestry and fishing Industry. After moving back to Wellington in 2002 where I worked in the building industry I moved to Christchurch in 2010.

Alcohol had always been been part of my life and caused many problems, I was unable to see this at the time. In 2010  I knew something had to change I knew how to survive I didn't know how to live it was then that I looked at my life and the part played by addiction I chose life and so began a journey of recovery that I am still on today. Part of this journey bought me into contact with the Familial Trust and I am very grateful for the support and learnings that I gained by attending counselling and programmes provided by this unique service.

It is an honour to become a board member of the Familial Trust and to be able to give back and to assist the agency to carry out its mission.