Totally Worth It

Community Facilitator Kristoffer (Kris) Madahan says showing empathy, respect and building a rapport with partners and their whanau is the key to being successful as a Community Facilitator. Working with ConneXu partners in Tauranga, he brings this approach to work to help partners reach their goals.

Originally from the city of Roxas in the Capiz region of the Philippines, Kris started his career as a qualified Registered Nurse.

"I worked in the hospital as emergency and operating room nurse for five years and then two years in community nursing in the Philippines, working with various clients," says Kris.

“When I was working in the hospital, I was mainly dealing with emergency cases and assisting with surgical procedures. In community nursing was doing prenatal checks, vaccinations and health education. I really loved the diversity of the job."

In 2015, Kris had the opportunity to immigrate to Tauranga, New Zealand, as a student. He completed his Diploma in Health Care Services Level 7 and worked in a restaurant and rest homes while studying.

"I had absolutely no experience in that job as a waiter so that was interesting. At first, I did have some trouble understanding some of the kiwi lingo and slang words," he recalls with a laugh.

"It was very hard at the beginning, and I was homesick to return home, but I believe showing patience and allowing myself time to adjust was the key."

Kris then put his qualifications and experience to use working for a Maori Trust, that worked with clients with mental health and intellectual disability needs.

"After seven years working in mental health, I was ready for a change and applied for a job in 2021 at ConneXu in Tauranga," he says.

Kris says he has worked in four ConneXu Tauranga houses over his time here.

"I'm working with partners with varied needs, including physical disability / mobility and other higher needs," he says.

"I believe one of my partners-Mikey-is one of the original partners at ConneXu. He was in Hamilton at first and then moved to Tauranga. I really love working with Mikey."

Two of Kris' previous clients from a former job have also moved over to become ConneXu partners, working alongside him.

“I enjoy my job and am very happy. While I haven't fully closed the door on my nursing career, I like working with people and like to have an impact on our partners’ lives,” he says.

"It's a really cool feeling to see partners meeting their goals, whether it be swimming or the gym or whatever they are doing."

"If you don't have empathy and love in your job and only come to work for money, then this is not the job for you,” he says.

“It’s about showing respect and building a rapport with partners and their whanau. When I am doing orientation with new team, I tell them to put yourself in the shoes of the partners and you will understand how they feel. This is what you need to do to succeed."

“Seeing that change with partners and helping them reach their goals makes it totally worth it.”