Puawai moved from New Zealand and has been residing in Australia for 10 years. He is currently a Credit Manager for Direct Credit and has been working in banking and finance for 16 years in a variety of roles in retail and business banking. From a social and community perspective, Puawai has been heavily involved in the Brisbane musical theatre community and is Treasurer for the Pine Rivers Musical Association. Puawai was raised in the refuge, helping his mother who has been in the Women's Refuge Movement in New Zealand for over 20 years. Puawai's experience and drive stems from observing and supporting his mother during those years with helping relocate women and children to safe houses and delivery of food parcels. His mothers routine became his routine, because women's refuge is a 24 hour, 7 day a week service. Puawai witnessed firsthand the physical, psychological and financial harm victims endured. Puawai feels passionately about the need to eliminate domestic violence from our community and to support those who are impacted by it.