Our team

Meriann Bethan

Meriann is a dual-trained Nurse and Anaesthetic Technician at Hutt Hospital, where she serves as the theatre team leader for the ENT department.

At the age of 2.5, she suffered severe burns, which required years of treatment and changed her appearance. Raised in a strong Samoan family of 14, she faced bullying and isolation due to her appearance but was supported in her education, which was delivered mostly at home and in hospitals.

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Meriann's nursing career highlights include 10 years as the Charge Nurse of Plastic Surgery at Hutt Hospital, where she worked with the same plastic surgeons who had treated her. As there are few support networks for those with visible differences, she became a visual example and support for families navigating similar experiences, setting up weekly support groups at the hospital.

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In addition to her clinical work, Meriann is a YOUTHLINE Counsellor and has spent over 25 years as a Victim Support Worker specialising in homicide, suicide, and bereavement. In 2020, she was awarded Wellingtonian of the Year for her service.

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As a Samoan woman, Meriann understands the cultural challenges of mental health and seeking assistance after significant medical events. She is passionate about the impact the Visible Difference Aotearoa Charitable Trust can make.

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Meriann says, “I am here because people believed in me, before I did myself.”