Celebrating 30 years of service: Terri Goddard

In March, Anglican Family Care had the privilege of celebrating an extraordinary milestone. Terri Goddard, Team Leader for both the Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) and Dunedin Home-based Family Support services, marked 30 years of dedicated service to AFC. Thirty years is a remarkable achievement, reflecting not only longevity, but a deep commitment to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, and to the values and kaupapa that sit at the heart of our work.

Terri’s journey with Anglican Family Care began as a social work placement. From the outset, she was struck by the way the organisation approached its mahi, working alongside people in ways that honoured strengths, relationships and lived experience.

As Terri reflects, “The way AFC worked alongside people, recognising their strengths and supporting them through change in a meaningful, compassionate way, really stood out to me.” During her placement, she made it clear that she hoped to stay on if an opportunity arose. When a vacancy became available in the care service, Terri stepped into the role, beginning what would become three decades of service.

Terri still remembers her early days vividly, including the transition from student to staff member, a moment marked with humour, connection and a strong sense of belonging.

“I remember my first day quite clearly.  Prior to starting work at AFC, my last social work placement was undertaken at the agency, so it was a transition from student to worker – this was marked by quite a hilarious ceremony where I “changed hats” – which involved actual hats! And of course, food! My first week was a mix of excitement, a few nerves and a lot of learning,” she recalls. “What really stood out was the generosity of colleagues with their knowledge, and the strong sense of connectedness across the whole staff group.”

Over the years that followed, Terri held a variety of roles within the agency. She began as a Social Worker in the Care team, which at the time was a standalone specialist service providing extensive care, including respite, emergency placements, and longer-term arrangements. She later worked as a Social Worker in the Homebased Family Support Service, took on coordination responsibilities, provided supervision and support across services, and undertook short-term work in South Otago. Since 2011, she has been part of the leadership team as a Team Leader.

Across three decades, Terri has witnessed significant change within the organisation and across the wider social services sector. New services have emerged, others have evolved, some have ended, and the external environment has continually shifted. At times, this change has felt challenging and complex. Yet through it all, Terri describes the heart of the work as remaining constant.

“Across all these changes, the heart of the work of the agency remains largely the same – care, support and connection.”

Reflecting on what has kept her at Anglican Family Care for 30 years, Terri speaks to a deep belief in the purpose of the mahi and the difference it makes for whānau across Otago. Strengthening relationships, enhancing mana and creating hope continues to provide meaning and motivation.

“What we do genuinely makes a difference,” she says. “Being part of work that strengthens connections, enhances mana and creates hope is incredibly meaningful.”

Equally important to Terri are the relationships formed along the way, both with whānau and with colleagues. She speaks of the privilege and responsibility of being trusted with people’s stories, and the importance of showing up with empathy, respect and authenticity.

“The trust that is put in us by clients to hold their stories and be vulnerable with us is quite humbling,” Terri reflects. “The importance of showing up, listening and walking alongside.”

As a Team Leader, Terri sees her role not as being about individual achievement, but about supporting others to do their best work. She describes her contribution as being part of something much larger than herself.

“I see my work at AFC as contributing to something much bigger than myself,” she says. “Supporting a committed, skilled and values driven team means the impact of my work reaches well beyond me. It flows into every interaction we have with tamariki and whānau.”

Looking back, Terri is proud of the contribution she has made in supporting both whānau and kaimahi over many years, and of the professional relationships she has built across the agency and wider sector. She hopes her work has helped create safer, more connected and hopeful futures for tamariki and their whānau.

Terri also reflects on the learning she will always carry with her. For her, change is not about having the answers, but about relationship, humility and partnership.

“Change does not come from having the answers, but from building trusting relationships, honouring people’s lived experience, and supporting them to find their own pathway forward,” she says.

When asked what she would say to someone just starting out in this mahi, Terri’s advice is heartfelt and encouraging.

“You are not doing this mahi alone. Lean on your team, look after yourself and celebrate the small steps forward,” she says, before adding with a smile, “and quite possibly hang on for the ride. It can be wild and wonderful, sometimes in the same day.”

Ngā mihi nui, Terri. Thirty years with Anglican Family Care reflects your dedication, humility and enduring commitment to walking alongside tamariki, rangatahi and whānau with care, professionalism and heart. Your contribution has left a lasting impact on the agency, the community, and the many lives touched through your mahi.

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