Renee Cortesi

Renee Cortesi has extensive experience in social services, having worked in the field in New Zealand and Australia for 20 years.

Although she made her way up the career ladder through hard work and determination, Renee realised to progress in the direction she wanted, she would need a qualification.

Through Capable NZ, Renee was able to get her existing knowledge recognised to fast-track her degree process.

“I was able to demonstrate all my 20 years of working experience and collated it so that I could only study for one year,” Renee explains. “And then my job gave me one day off a week so I could study, and everything fell into place really well, and now I can be a qualified worker.”

Renee has progressed from frontline case worker to team leader, and is now moving into an Assistant District Director role with the Department of Communities and Child Protection for Western Australia, based in the Kalgoorlie office.

Renee’s work takes her across a large territory, stretching from Esperance to the Ngaanyatjarra lands. She works closely with Aboriginal communities to support children and families. Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and a deep respect for Aboriginal traditions and kinship systems – drawn from her own Māori values.

For graduation, Renee made the trip to Dunedin to celebrate with her whānau.

“I'm excited to show my children what you can do if you put your mind to it, and that it's never too late to find your passion, or find something that you're really committed to, and to put your all into it.”

Renee encourages others to think about getting a qualification through Capable NZ.

“I say absolutely do it if you're able to. It's hard work, it takes up a lot of time, especially with work and family commitments, but it's totally rewarding. And for long-term longevity – you’re going to be able to progress, you’re able to learn more.

“Everything that I was able to unpack through my learning and take into my practise has made me a better practitioner.”