There, she developed a strong sense of connection to New Zealand's indigenous culture and history.
"I found it extraordinary that my parents made no attempt to connect with the indigenous people of the land they'd chosen for us to settle in.
"Pakeha New Zealanders don't acknowledge that they walk on brown ground, and lack respect for the mana whenua of where they live."
With a desire to bring change, Di began a busy and rewarding career that included working with youth at the Kapiti Skills Centre during the 1990s.
As the first co-ordinator of community education at Whitireia Polytech's Kapiti campus, she also worked as a tutor in Tiriti o Waitangi for nurses, teachers, social workers and business students.
"There's a huge gap in New Zealanders' understanding of New Zealand history, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Maori.
For 15 years I was part of a network of Waitangi trainers nationwide who worked with community groups, corporates and the public sector to raise awareness and promote understanding.
"I still have past students come up to me in the supermarket to say how I turned their understanding upside down."
In January 2003, she became national co-ordinator of Computers in Homes (CIH), where she had worked as a volunteer and researcher for two years.
Launched in 2000 by the 2020 Communications Trust, CIH aims to lift achievement of children in low-decile schools.
Thanks to Di, the initiative developed from a small pilot project to a large national programme within a couple of years.
By 2016, it had grown to cover 22 regions, with a diverse team of members representing their own communities.
"CIH delivered training to parents and grandparents to enable them to help children with homework and to be included in the digital world. Parents embraced the learning for themselves and gained confidence to get jobs, start businesses and enter further education."
Statistics, she said, show that the people most digitally excluded in New Zealand are women, Maori and Pasifika, and the elderly.
"A standout moment was when a young mum came bounding up to me after graduation, all dressed up and grinning, asking how she could get a job like mine. She'd begun the training with her hoody up, arms folded and a scowl on her face."
According to Di's nominees, she reached out through low decile schools, maraes, community hubs, newly-arrived refugee communities and Pasifika churches.
"Di helped the most disconnected areas of the country," they said.
"She travelled huge distances and covered wide areas to deliver to otherwise forgotten communities. She's the type of person who rolls up her sleeves and gets on with the job of delivering excellence; going over and above the call of duty."
Part of her approach to education was a Whakawhanaungatanga learning style.
"It ensures everyone learns and succeeds in a shared learning environment.
"This was important for parents who hadn't achieved through the school system and had lost confidence in their ability to learn."
Di also encouraged the approach across her work team.
"Trainers were chosen from within their own cultural communities and given respect as great communicators, rather than as high-tech ICT teachers.
"I ensured that staff who weren't immersed in rural or Maori communities understood the issues facing their peers."
In 2004, Di created a Refugee CIH programme to assist newly-arrived families to adapt to New Zealand's education system as rapidly as possible.
Recently, she launched the Digital Wings - Aspiration and Opportunity programme, which provides opportunities for local community organisations.
The role involves brokering agreements with corporates to recycle their computers through business Remarkit Solutions, with a percentage donated to charity.
According to the mother and grandmother, she generated trust in diverse social settings through time, care and respect.
"It takes years to build credibility and communities can tell if you're in for the long haul, supporting their aspirations or not.
"My work over the past 30 years has given me this experience.
"I'll continue to strive for a world where we all walk tall together, succeed together and achieve happiness."
