We talk to Manjeet Kaur Walia about what a typical day looks like for her at Family Start Manukau

Q: What’s your official job title, and what does it mean?

A: I am a social worker. I work with a lot of ethnic groups and Indian families, especially where there is a language barrier. I speak Hindi, Punjabi and a bit of Urdu as well, on top of my English. I’m originally from Delhi, in India, and I’ve been in New Zealand for 46 years.

Q: What time do you usually get into the office, and what’s the first thing you do?

A: I get into the office at 7.30am, and the first thing I do is make myself a coffee! Then I sit down and spend time checking my emails and preparing myself for my visits – I usually visit around 3-4 families a day.

Q: What’s the most important part of your day?

A: Visiting families is the most important part of my work. I love visiting families, listening to their problems, setting plans to overcome the barriers and make positive changes for a better life for their families. My role is to link families with relevant services, guide and empower people.

Q: What’s your favourite part of your day?

A: The end of the day, feeling satisfied that I’ve completed my days’ work. Knowing that I have made some positive differences in people’s lives. It is a satisfying and rewarding feeling that I look forward to. At the end of the day, I look forward to going home to my family, wearing my other hat.

Q: What’s the one thing about work you would change?

A: I think more resources would be a great help. For example, we could do with more up to date computers. Sometimes there is a struggle to find an unoccupied computer. I’d like to have my own laptop so I can easily write up my notes and complete my tasks in good time.