Overview
Ko Ruapehu te Maunga
Ko Whanganui te Awa
Ko Aotea te Waka
Ko Te Atihaunui a Paparangi te iwi
Ko Ngati Pamoana te Hapu
Ko Koroniti te Marae
No Whanganui Ahau
Dion is a highly experienced Registered Comprehensive Nurse with 30 years of dedicated service in mental health care. For the past 8 years, he has specialized as a Team Manager in Acute Crisis Mental Health Tele-triage services. His extensive career includes valuable experience as a contract nurse in rural and remote communities across Australia, Christmas Island, and Papua New Guinea, focusing on Mental Health and Medical Nursing. Prior to his international work, Dion served 15 years in the Crisis Mental Health Team in Hawkes Bay, following his role in Acute and Forensic Mental Health facilities at Whanganui DHB.
Supervision Approach
As a supervisor, Dion brings a comprehensive skill set that combines clinical expertise with cultural awareness. His approach is deeply rooted in his cultural identity - his whānau are from Koroniti Marae - Whanganui River and Dion grew up in Marton and was educated at Hato Paora College.
Drawing from his extensive experience in crisis intervention and mental health, he provides a professional and culturally safe space for supervision, emphasising risk management, strength-based development, and Te Ao Māori perspectives. His supervisory style focuses on promoting self-care, developing resilience, and maintaining professional boundaries while offering practical guidance in caseload management and ethical practice. Dion's empathetic, solution-focused approach, combined with his leadership experience and effective communication skills, creates an environment that supports professional growth and development.
Skills and Experience
Dion holds current registration as a Comprehensive Nurse and maintains active membership with both the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) and the NZ Nurses Organisation (NZNO). His impressive academic portfolio includes Post Graduate Certificates in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Mental Health Nursing, and Forensic Psychiatric Care. He has further enhanced his expertise with a Diploma in Forensic Science and Profiling, Certificate in Addiction and Mental Health Supervision (Level 6), and Certificate - Poupou Huia Te Reo, alongside technical qualifications in computing.
