

dearly loved mother, grandmother, aunty, friend, artist, advocate and ally to those who needed a voice.
Obituary
Annie's early years were filled with classical music and voice training. As she grew into a young adult, Annie dreamt of singing on opera stages. Anyone who had the joy of hearing her sing could hear the talent. Yet, it was on a different stage that others were to be uplifted by Annie's voice. Annie spent most of her life as a courageous advocate for herself and others. With a twinkle in her eye and fire in her belly, Annie always spoke truth to power. Annie was fearless in confronting authority, calling out injustices and demanding change. Annie reckoned if you weren't annoying someone, you were doing advocacy wrong. Despite the heaviness of her work, Annie never lost sight of laughter, joy and fun. Annie also created and held space for others as they found their voice. The loss of Annie will be deeply felt across many communities, but the legacy, the wisdom, the warmth and love as well as the continued fight for recognition and redress for tangata whaiora lives on.
Memory wall

We shared many stories including the love for her family. She was very supportive of me as I grieved for my husband who had died the year before. The trip provided us with the opportunity to see psychiatric facilities that had eliminated the practice of seclusion. We came back with high hopes but unfortantely the practice still remains.
Much love to Annie's whanau x
When I think of Annie I think of stories . How lucky we were at the last birthday celebration up the Coast where Annie was in full flight. One of many stories I remember is when taxi driving in Wainui when Georgia and Morgan were young Annie adroitly getting the mongrel mob leader on side so the gangsters always paid up after one of them tried to evade paying.
Annie made friends wherever she went at gatherings at my house she could be seen reading the i-ching for people or connecting with some one in corner . The party at Breaker Bay hall before Annie went to visit Harrison in the States bringing her community together. Morgan up a ladder hanging balloons, Shelley cheerfully washing dishes . Out walking and Annie would greet a street person she had come across in her travels. When i was away up North and my younger son went off the rails for a bit , Annie ignored the tinnie house vibes and bowled around and invited herself in to see how he was doing
As Annies plus 1 during lockdown because i lived around the corner. i would call in on my way home from work nursing and talk at a distance through the door. There was often an offering of german apple cake.
as others have said there were hard times too and Annies spirit was tested many times but she came back again and again.
i cold talk about Annies in the survivor movement , that fight for justice and the eventual apology . Annie supported many peer initiatives and back in 2013 myself and a colleague nominated Annie for Exceptional Contribution to Mental Health Service in Australia or New Zealand at The Mental Health Services Conference of Australia and New Zealand (TheMHS) in Melbourne and she was awarded it . it was the work of a lifetime when the apology was eventually made
https://kitestrust.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/fight-for-justice-for-former-inpatients-recognised-with-australasian-award/
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ex-psych-patients-call-for-apology/VZBRY6YFQ26ST2WQG6DC32IQEM/
As you know, we met when I was a mental health promoter, and you were the one who really knew. You taught me so much. You laughed at me and gave me insights that I have never forgotten. Thank you for your contribution, your life, your song! May the next adventure be a good one.
Richard
Sleep well, Annie. Thank you for all you have done for our movement ❤️
I wear your 'gift' to me with special pride. Such wise words 'be quiet, meditate, live purely and like the moon come out from behind the clouds and shine'.
With much respect and aroha: Martin Burke, your Marty.
I never met her here in Dunedin personally yet I feel I know her and sense her beautiful being.
God Bless her name character and spirit forever x
Much love from someone who admired your courage, your humour your musicality, and the difference you made in Aotearoa.
Janet
I knew I had to get to know her. That was in 1979 when I was pregnant with my first daughter. We became firm friends and had many laughs together.
I remember her as a Sanyastant following Bagawan, dressed in red and orange. Luckily the colours suited her.
I met Georgis and Morgan when they were babies in Wainuiomata.
I visited her in Dunedin and kept in touch with her in all her moves. She was a great friend; a great advocate and she lived her life with dignity and integrity.