Awhi for Paulette

Ehara taku toa, i te toa takitahi,

Engari, he toa takitini

My strength is not as an individual,

but as a collective

Meet Paulette Montino. If you live in the far north, Paulette really needs no introduction. Her passion for people reaches far & wide where she has coached, managed and represented in basketball, netball, Kio rahi and other sports. Whilst guiding rangatahi she is known as a fierce competitor. It’s this fighting spirit and perseverance that has fuelled her over the past few years & driven her to overcome many obstacles. In October 2018 Paulette was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Since her diagnosis, she has undergone 3 surgeries & is now on her third & final round of chemotherapy. Her oncologist has recommended an immunotherapy drug Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd), which is not publicly funded in New Zealand. The money raised will be used for this treatment.

Paulette has worked hard all her life to serve her community, as well as being a dedicated wife to Paulo, and loving mummy to her boys Luca and Lorenzo. Her encouragement to others, infectious positivity, calm assurance & perseverance are all badges she wears proudly.

Even whilst going through her own treatment in 2020 she coordinated the pink ribbon campaign, and co-coordinated the pink ribbon breakfast and relay for life. She has been proudly active and impactful in her family, sporting community and Iwi.

Here is our opportunity to give back to Paulette in a moment where time is crucial and faith is enduring.