HE TANGATA, HE TANGATA, HE TANGATA

Amorangi

Ngāpuhi

People leader and developer, Policy Maker, Rangatahi Employment Specialist, Government, NGO and Corporate  Executive Management, Philanthropic Strategist, Social Services Expert, Activist and Proud Nan.

Hailing proudly from the Hokianga, Tanya has had a prolific and varied career from social worker, policy analyst, cafe owner, to executive manager. Tanya has built a rich career with significant networks that she leverages to get the best outcomes.  She is passionate about social change and enjoys spending as much time with her whanau, especially her mokopuna

Pou Tūhono

Ngāpuhi

Experienced Youth Leader and Mentor, Facilitator, Presenter, Community Advocacy and has done significant work in South Auckland with government, schools and youth organisations. 

Bryan is from the Utakura in the Hokianga. He is passionate about connecting and supporting young people to become the very best versions of themselves. He is a master facilitator, trainer, career and sports consultant who excels at building rapport with both large groups and individuals.

Pou Tokomanawa

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pūkenga

 Employment Relations, Operational Training, IT and Infrastructure, Data Analysis, Pastoral care, Low and Slow  BBQer, Disruptor, and Comic Book Nerd.

Lenny comes from an operations training and employment relationship background, and has a passion to see Māori grow and thrive in their work. Lenny's work and approach is evidence based and driven by data.  When not working you can find him building electronic gizmos, 3D printing stuff and reading comics

Pou Hāpai

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Rangitane

Kegan is a proud coasty and has a background in a variety of social work settings in Gisborne, Melbourne and Auckland. 

Kegan is a grassroots social worker with a passion for social justice and systemic change, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and advocating for Māori Mana Motuhake. 

He is passionate about supporting tangata Māori in realising their inherit mana and reaching their full potential and ensuring that the voice of our tamariki and rangatahi remains at the centre of all that we do. 

Kaihautū  Rangatahi

  Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Porou

Otara born and raised, Rob is an experienced and highly skilled tutor, mentor, facilitator and performer who has worked directly with youth for more than 20 years.

Having previously worked as the Music Director at Excel School of Performing Arts before moving into the role of Gateway Coordinator at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate where he served for almost 15 years, Rob then moved into mentoring rangatahi who are caught up in the youth Justice system.

Walking alongside rangatahi and helping them achieve some level of change or growth in their lives is something that Rob loves and counts as a privilege.

Rob is married to his beautiful Samoan Queen Anna, and they are the proud parents to 7 awesome children.

 Kaiārahi Rangatahi 

 Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Te Whanau-a-Apanui 

Born and raised in Hauraki with roots in Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Shyanne brings over seven years of experience working with tamariki, rangatahi, and Māori communities. Specializing in programs that celebrate culture, growth, and empowerment. 

A passionate rugby player and sports enthusiast, Shy’s dynamic energy and team spirit are reflected in her professional approach. 

A mum to a beautiful boy who motivates and inspires her everyday.

Dedicated to supporting rangatahi success, Shy blends expertise with creativity, championing the power of community, te ao Māori, and collaboration.

Kaihāpai Rangatahi

Tainui, Ngati Haua

Maiora Kaukau is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of expertise. As a qualified butcher with 25 years in the retail industry, Maiora has mastered the art of precision and customer service. 

His commitment extends beyond his trade; for 20 years, he has been a rugby coach, shaping the lives of players aged 8 to 21. Maiora's passion lies in nurturing our rangatahi, guiding them towards positive personal growth and a resilient mindset.

His life's work is supported by his whanau —his wahine and two sons who are his driving force. 

Kaihāpai Rangatahi

 Ngaiterangi, Te Arawa, Taranaki Tuturu, and Ngatimaniapoto  

Wahine Māori of Ngaiterangi, Te Arawa, Taranaki Tuturu, and Ngatimaniapoto descent, a passionate advocate, social worker, and proud Nanny and Māma. 

Born and raised in the heart of South Auckland, in Ōtara, I bring over 25 years of life experience to my work and journey.

My professional path began with more than 15 years in the hospitality industry before I embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led me to pursue a degree in social work. Along this haerenga (journey), I realized that social work chose me—it wasn’t something I actively sought. Deeply wairua (spirit)-centered, I stay connected to my tupuna (ancestors) and am guided by my core Māori values and beliefs.

Throughout my career, I have worked in trauma-informed spaces, specifically in areas of sexual harm and family harm. I now work in a rangatahi-centered, kaupapa Māori organization, which has been a breath of fresh air and a rewarding shift for me.

With over 25 years of lived experience, I bring a unique perspective and a commitment to supporting and empowering rangatahi Māori. 

Kaihāpai Rangatahi

  Ngāti Kahungnunu, Tūwharetoa, Te Atiawa, Tugafuafua ki Hāmoa and Arorangi ki Rarotonga 

  Ko Daniel Tepai Tamatoa Kelly tōku ingoa.

I am a descendant of Ngāti Kahungnunu, Tūwharetoa, Te Atiawa, Tugafuafua ki Hāmoa and Arorangi ki Rarotonga. Bit of a fruit salad... Aue!

Born and raised in Flaxmere, Hastings, I moved up to the big smoke to be a teacher. As a registered and practising teacher, I’ve led the Alternative Education Department at Māngere College and prior to that as a Learning Leader/Advisor at InZone Education. I also currently work in adult education teaching Bicultural Social Services at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. 

I'm currently completing my Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge, with a focus on critical Indigenous approaches to youth development and education. Outside of mahi, you’ll find me diving into books and literature, spending time with whānau and friends, exploring local cafes (Coffee Addict) or travelling.

Super excited to come on board as a Kaihāpai Rangatahi as I'm passionate about creating culturally grounded, quality safe spaces where Rangatahi can thrive. I’m stoked to be part of the Hāpai Tūhono team and committed to unleashing the potential that already exists in our Rangatahi.

E tipu, e rea, mō ngā rā o tō ao...

Grow up and thrive for the days destined to you… (Tā Apirana Ngata) 

 Kaiāwhina

 Ngāti Whawhakia, Ngāti Pou, Ngāti Kinohaku, Ngāti Uekaha, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Maniapoto

He wāhine Māori ahau, grounded in aroha and purpose.  With nearly 30 years' experience across education, logistics, and customer service, I bring calm, care, and capability into every space I enter.   Most recently, I was at Māngere College, where I juggled roles as Principal’s PA, Office Administrator, Board Secretary and most importantly, Whaea to our rangatahi.  Supporting people is at the heart of everything I do, and I carry that with manaaki and warmth in every part of my mahi.

I’m a proud māmā and nanny and you'll usually find me outdoors with my whānau, camping.  I’m a teeny bit of a UFC/Muay Thai fan, with legendary couch commentary skills.  In another life, I’d be ringside as Dana White’s PA - snacks in hand, hot takes locked and loaded - but right now, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be - bringing heart and hustle to the work I love.

   My favorite quote: 

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars, you have a right to be here, and whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should, therefore, be at peace with your soul - Desiderata