A DEDICATED LEADER - FIONA FROST
Rodney Women’s Refuge proudly announces Fiona Frost as its new General Manager, bringing nearly 30 years of leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Fiona’s extensive background in education, business management, and counselling uniquely positions her to guide Rodney Women’s Refuge in its vital mission to support women and children experiencing family violence across the Rodney district and North Auckland.
Her journey to Rodney Women’s Refuge reflects a lifetime dedicated to empowering others. Over an impressive 28-year teaching career, she developed a strong understanding of how to create safe, nurturing environments where individuals can thrive. Twelve years as a Team Leader honed her skills in guiding diverse groups toward common goals, while five years as a business owner provided valuable insights into organisational management and sustainability.
Through both her professional and personal life, Fiona has witnessed the devastating effects of family violence. These experiences have shaped her understanding of the complex trauma survivors face and deepened her commitment to creating pathways toward healing and safety. “Working with students and families over the years, I’ve seen how family violence ripples through generations and communities,” she reflects. “It’s taught me that intervention and support aren’t just about immediate safety – they’re about breaking cycles and rebuilding lives.”
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education, a Postgraduate qualification in Teaching, and Master’s level papers in Counselling. This blend of educational and therapeutic expertise provides her with a comprehensive view of both the systemic nature of family violence and the personal healing journey survivors navigate.
“I’ve always been passionate about supporting people from all walks of life,” Fiona explains. “Whether in the classroom, leading teams, or running my own business, I’ve learned that the right support at the right time can transform lives. Family violence affects our entire community, and I’m honoured to be part of an organisation that not only provides immediate safety but also works toward long-term healing and prevention.”
Her vision for Rodney Women’s Refuge includes expanding community education initiatives and strengthening the support systems already in place. “Many people don’t fully understand what family violence looks like or the many ways we can advocate for and support our clients,” she notes. “Education is prevention, and prevention is protection.”
Under her leadership, Rodney Women’s Refuge will continue delivering a comprehensive range of services, from a 24/7 crisis line (0800 REFUGE) and safehouse accommodation to safety planning and community support. The organisation serves the entire Rodney district, from Riverhead and Coatesville in the south to Mangawhai in the north, ensuring no woman or child in the region faces violence alone.
Fiona is also excited to oversee The Kowhai Tree, the organisation’s charity op shop that provides affordable goods to the community while generating essential funding for refuge services. “The Kowhai Tree represents the beautiful interconnectedness of our community support system,” she says. “Every purchase helps fund our life-saving work.”
As she steps into the role, Fiona brings both the practical experience of a seasoned leader and the compassionate heart of someone who understands that behind every statistic is a human story deserving of dignity, safety, and hope.
With Fiona Frost at the helm, Rodney Women’s Refuge is well-positioned to continue building a community where everyone can live free from violence and abuse.
www.HestiaWomensRefuge.co.nz | Facebook/Instagram: HestiaRodneyWomensRefuge
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