Described by many as a voice for the voiceless in the corridors of power, “a small wahine wielding a sharp axe”, Ann was a woman of mana and compassion who saw the potential in everyone and was afraid of no-one. She was as loved and respected by communities of all faiths and cultures as she was by iwi leaders and whānau living in marginalised communities.
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Ministry of Social Development community relationships manager Ann Dysart speaking at the launch of Family First Welfare Trust in Ōtāhuhu in 2017. It was the values, tikanga and aroha of te ao Māori, and her strong links with ordinary whānau Māori, that inspired her vision of a just and tolerant society that worked in the best interests of all its members.