Francesca Higgins
Francesca (Fran) (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti awa) is co-chair of The Carosika Whānau Awhina - lived experience group. Born preterm at 28 weeks following her Mum becoming unwell from multiple infections which led to her waters breaking at 22 weeks. Fran shares a hopeful message for whānau - that preterm babies are resilient and can thrive given the right support. Fran has a master's degree in forensic science and is now a Teaching Technician in the physiology teaching lab at The University of Auckland. Alongside Sarah Rusholme, Fran provides guidance and support to Carosika Whānau Awhina Rōpū.
Fran shares more about her preterm birth journey on our whānau story page, Read Fran's Story here.
Steering Group
The Carosika Collaborative Steering Group is a transdisciplinary group of individuals passionate about preterm birth and achieving equity. The Group was established in 2020 and membership is by invitation aiming for inclusion of whānau and all other key stakeholder groups. The Steering Group provides direction, oversight, coordination and support to Carosika Collaborative initiatives and has been responsible for developing the Carosika Collaborative five-year Strategic Kete. The majority of members contribute their time in-kind. The Carosika Collaborative Steering Group Terms of Reference can be accessed here.
