My name is Masako Crawford originally from Japan. I taught Japanese and English as a second language at Massey University before my retirement. My interests were language learning strategies and intercultural communication. I am married with two children and four grandchildren.
The Hospital wing was just completed when I joined the team of Te Hopai trustees and I have seen Te Hopai emerge from an excellent but small operation to the present 151-bed modern facility. I am always impressed by the fact that management and the staff know all the residents by name and their backgrounds.
Since my retirement I joined the Kaibosh team as a community outreach of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newtown. Every Friday morning I have the pleasure of carrying a car full of groceries for 35-40 Te Hopai caregivers in need of extra help due to the high cost of living in the capital. It is a pleasure to see first hand how staff work efficiently and are caring for each other.
I am honored to be a part of the Te Hopai community.