Nō Aerana, nō Piritana ōku tūpuna.
I tipu ake au ki Tāmaki Makaurau.
Nō Te Rotoiti-kite-a-Īhenga tōku kāinga ināianei.
Ko Annamarie Jensen tōku ingoa. 

Kia ora, I’m Annamarie. I grew up in Auckland and moved to Lake Rotoiti, just outside Rotorua, in 2019.

A major health crisis in 2016 was the catalyst for the chronic fatigue I live with today. It set me on a path I never expected – one of searching for answers and learning how to adapt. Moving with my whānau to a rural setting helped me manage my symptoms, but when COVID-19 arrived, I faced new challenges with isolation and, later, long-COVID.

Finding CCI Support reminded me that I wasn’t alone in what I was experiencing. Connecting with others who understood made a real difference, and it’s what inspired me to become part of the team helping others living with invisible illnesses.

In my 20s, I worked in the fast-paced world of media, and in my 30s I ran a quiet home beauty practice focused on skin health and wellbeing. Those experiences taught me both the power of communication and the importance of care – lessons I bring to my role supporting people across the Lakes district, and I’m excited to meet all my Lakes members!