Manukura | Edith Moore

Edith Moore (MSc, Health Psychology) is a lived-experience advocate, educator, and community leader working to improve support for people affected by addiction, mental health challenges, and disability. Combining academic training with real-world insights, she focuses on creating practical, culturally informed solutions. 

After entering recovery in 2015 following three decades of alcohol and drug harm, Edith began working with DRIVE Consumer Direction Counties Manukau. Starting as a Network Member in 2016, she became a Network Coordinator and for three years simultaneously led both DRIVE and its flagship initiative, Recovery College NZ. In this dual role, she developed and facilitated workshops while building the College’s programming – work she continues to this day. 

In 2018, Edith co-founded the Drua Va Manuia Village, which later expanded into 3Village1Island, a collective bringing together three Pacific lived experience communities: Mana Pasifika (Disabilities), Tangata Moana Nui (Mental Health), and Drua Va Manuia (Addictions). Her work ensures these initiatives remain grounded in lived experience and cultural relevance.  

Edith used to say the best job she ever had was coordinating the Introduction to Pacific Health course at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Today, however, her work for DRIVE and Recovery College NZ gives her the greatest satisfaction as it aligned with her ‘Why’. Her drive comes from remembering her own struggles in early recovery, motivating her to make support more accessible for others. 

Greatest Challenge and Growth 

One of Edith’s greatest challenges has been navigating imposter syndrome. For much of her journey, she felt the need to prove her worth—constantly striving to go above and beyond to show she deserved her place. Growing up with a strong inner critic, she internalized the harsh words of others, often battling their echoes within herself. Over time, she has been learning to accept herself more fully, healing the parts of her that remain tender and in progress. 

Edith carries a deep sense of responsibility and is acutely aware of the injustice faced by people like her—Pacific peoples, women, and young people. She works hard to stay grounded in solutions, always asking, “What can I do today to make things a little better?” While she may not always be focused on big-picture strategy, her strength lies in her responsiveness and care for what people need in the here and now. 

Advice to Emerging Leaders 

“Find people who not only model recovery well but who move through the world as good human beings.” Edith has learned the importance of choosing mentors wisely—not just those with long-term sobriety, but those whose actions reflect integrity, humility, and kindness. 

She recalls attending meetings where some shared impressive recovery milestones, only to witness them act out of alignment with those values shortly after. Her advice: “It’s not just about how many years someone’s been sober—it’s about who they are as a person.” 

She also acknowledges that there are fewer Pacific people who are open about their lived experience, but many exist in leadership roles quietly holding space. When they say, “If you need anything, I’ve got you,” it’s a powerful reminder that emerging leaders are not alone. 

Inspirations 

Papali’i Johnny Siaosi
When Edith was only three months into her role at Drive in 2018, Papali’i Matua Johnny reached out. Hearing his vision and approach deeply impacted her. Formerly a lecturer in the MAPAS programme at the University of Auckland, Edith was inspired by Matua Johnny to think beyond day-to-day work. His ideas around workforce development and building systems for Pacific communities sparked a new level of ambition. While she was aware of initiatives like Te Kete Pounamu, she began to envision what a Pacific version could look like. 

Karlo Mila
Karlo Mila moves Edith to tears and to dance – at the same time. Her poetry, intelligence, and truth-telling resonate deeply on intellectual, emotional, and spiritual levels. “She hits me in all the places,” Edith says. “She’s so smart, and she brings the facts—an artist, a poet, a powerhouse.”