Dr Judy Melinek
Dr Judy Melinek is an American trained Forensic Pathologist who joined Communio in 2020 as a Locum Tenens Forensic Pathologist based in Wellington Hospital Mortuary.
2 April 2025
2 April 2025
i te taha o taaku paapaa
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Te Puea te marae
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Ngaati Naho te hapuu
Ko Waikato te iwi
i te taha o taaku maamaa
Ko Te Reinga te maunga
Ko Hokianga te awa
Ko Waihau-nui-a-rua te marae
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Te Reinga te hapuu
Ko Te Rarawa te iwi
Ko Maria taaku ingoa
Whaea Maria has dedicated her life to serving iwi, hapuu and Maaori communities. She has worked in several roles, all of these in supporting whaanau Maaori locally, nationally and internationally.
Whaea Maria started working with Te Kaahui Ora, Maaori Health Services at Middlemore Hospital in 2005. She spent twenty years of her career working as Whaanau Support, Whaanau Ora Advanced Care Coordinator and Kuia covering The Critical Care Complex, The National Burns Unit and all wards. She has had the privilege of caring for many whaanau to navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Previous to this, she has worked in management and support roles as Tikanga Advisor, Funeral Director, Restorative Justice Facilitator, Prisoner Integration into Society and Events Manager at Ngā Whare Waatea Marae. All integral roles supporting whaanau, iwi, hapuu and Maaori communities.
Whaea Maria also spent many of her years living in Rotorua as a Tour Guide at the New Zealand Maaori Arts and Crafts Institute. She learnt the art of raranga and became a Weaver for many years working alongside her late husband, Deputy Director Te Kuru o te Marama Waretini. She still practices weaving and has created pieces exhibited through Maru creations Ltd.
Academia: Massey University Bachelor of Education (Adult Education)