Our Team

Kia ora! We are Hemi and Destiny – husband and wife, a dynamic duo with heart, humour, and a shared mission.
Our journey into bariatric surgery began almost 2 years ago... For over six months, we did the research, had the in-depth kōrero, thought of everything that could go wrong and became excited about everything that could go right, weighed the risks, and visualized what life could look like if we took that leap. As we may know, some people, after hearing about our possible path were either fearful of surgery overseas or made smart remarks about taking the easy route, a shortcut — people that, although their opinion was taken into consideration, had not lived our lives and been in our shoes. It wasn’t a decision made lightly but ultimately it was a decision made by us, for us and our tamariki!

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In fact, I (Destiny) had never even heard of bariatric surgery until my mum casually mentioned that she was thinking of going to Bangkok for it. That simple conversation sparked interest. Suddenly we were deep diving into YouTube testimonials, medical journals, Facebook support groups, and everything in between. We were searching not just for information — but for long-term success.

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Eventually, we both made the decision to get gastric sleeve surgery, and it has been one of the BEST choices we’ve made. But we won't be the first to tell you: this journey isn’t easy. It’s not just about shedding weight — it’s about shedding habits, facing emotions you used to eat away, and learning to live in a whole new way with a whole new mindset. You might feel like a stranger in your own shrinking body. Your life changes completely. Food becomes a science. The amount of vitamins and medications you have, you could start a pharmacy! Dresses expand, your energy rebounds, and your confidence starts walking a little taller — but none of it happens overnight.

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Through it all, we had each other — and that made all the difference.

We now see weight-loss surgery not as a last resort, but as a pathway—a doorway back to ourselves. It gave us a new vision for life: not just to lose weight, but to find joy again. We dreamed of life beyond the weight—of being present for our children and for each other.

We have both now lost 35+ kgs — and this is just the beginning!

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Walking this journey side by side has been both incredibly rewarding and deeply challenging. If we could change anything, it would only be that we did it sooner!

Now, we want to be that support system for others to help others have the same, amazing experience we had.

 

We created Te Ara Whai to walk alongside those who are ready for change, offering not just travel and surgery support, but aroha, understanding, and community. Because you’re not just going on a journey overseas — you’re stepping into a new version of yourself. And we want to be right there with you.