She checks on homeless people in doorways on her way to work and responds to texts for help in the dead of night - after 31 years as a social worker at the Auckland District Court, Michelle Kidd is retiring.
Now 72-years-old, she helped set up therapeutic courts that give people the tools to restore relationships, gain stable housing and employment.
Known as Whaea - auntie - to the homeless and judges alike, Michelle Kidd is a friendly face in an often daunting justice system.
Amy Williams has the story.
