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

 Kaiāwhina

  Ngāti Maniapoto

He wāhine Māori ahau, guided by aroha and purpose.  With nearly 30 years’ experience across education, logistics, and customer service, Faye brings calm, care, and capability wherever she goes. Most recently at Māngere College, Faye wore many hats - Principal’s PA, Office Administrator, Board Secretary, and proudly, Whaea to MC Rangatahi.

is at her core as is supporting people in her mahi, and she does it with manaaki, warmth, and a good dose of humour.

Faye is a proud māmā and nanny, happiest chilling with her whānau.  Faye is also a teeny bit of a UFC and Muay Thai fan with elite-level couch commentary.  

   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

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.

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. 

 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

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

Born and raised in Flaxmere, Hastings, Daniel later moved to Tāmaki Makaurau to pursue teaching.

A registered and practising teacher, Daniel has led the Alternative Education Department at Māngere College and previously worked as a Learning Leader at InZone Education. He also teaches Bicultural Social Services in adult education at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Daniel is currently completing a Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge, focusing on Indigenous approaches to youth development and education.

Passionate about creating culturally grounded and safe spaces, Daniel is excited to join the Hāpai Tūhono team as a Kaihāpai Rangatahi and is committed to supporting rangatahi to thrive and realise their potential.

E tipu, e rea, mō ngā rā o tō ao...

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

Attendance Service Manager

Sione Sione is a community leader raised in Papakura, where he lives with his wife, Tuimaseve Cissy Sione, and their two dogs -  Rokkit and Jettson.  A New Zealand–born Samoan, he holds the Tulafale (speaking chief) title of Aogamalie from his father’s family in Puipa’a, Upolu, and is proud of his mother’s aiga from Sa’asa’ai, Savai’i.   His strong Pasifika identity underpins his values and shapes his approach to leadership. 

Sione has extensive experience across community, health, and sport sectors in South Auckland, including work with Pasifika health providers and Regional Sports Trusts.  A former professional and semi-professional rugby player, he now coaches at grassroots and representative levels and is passionate about mentoring and empowering young leaders to create positive change.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

 Ngaati Maniapoto, Ngaati Wai

 Jaelyn was born and raised in Flaxmere, Hastings — often referred to as the “Promised Land” — where strong whānau and community values shaped who she is today. Guided by the whakataukī “Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu” (with feathers, the bird can fly), Jaelyn believes in the power of resourcing and uplifting people so they can reach their full potential.

She is deeply passionate about empowering Māori and Pasifika communities to pursue their aspirations, including the boldest and most ambitious dreams. Jaelyn is a strong advocate for equity and access, and firmly believes that when people are supported with the right tools, opportunities, and encouragement, success naturally follows.

Outside of mahi, Jaelyn enjoys spending time at the gym, keeping up with her energetic three-year-old nephew, or catching up on some well-earned rest.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

Born in South Africa and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand from the age of six, Larren brings nearly four years of experience working in the rangatahi space in South Auckland.  He is passionate about supporting young people and has previously worked in the attendance space, partnering closely with whānau to help tamariki and rangatahi re-engage with education by reducing barriers and strengthening pathways back into learning. 

Larren has a lifelong passion for sport and has been involved from a young age, with soccer being his main focus. He played for many years and continues to maintain a strong interest in sport as a powerful way to connect with and inspire young people.

A proud father to his 12-year-old son, Larren describes him as his “why” and his daily motivation.  He cares deeply about seeing rangatahi thrive and enjoys working alongside whānau and the wider community to ensure young people feel supported, stay engaged, and achieve positive outcomes.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

Fakaalofa Lahi Atu. A proud second-generation Niuean, he was born in Aotearoa and raised in Ōtara, where he attended local schools including Dawson Primary, Clover Park Intermediate, and Tangaroa College. Deeply influenced by urban culture and the vibrant Ōtara music scene, these experiences played a significant role in shaping his identity and values.

His working life reflects a strong commitment to service and people, with experience across janitorial work, retail, security, and hospitality, alongside extensive roles in youth development. This includes work in youth justice, boys’ home residences, and community-based initiatives such as Ōtara Bike Life and Rep FM’s Passion to Profession, as well as Start Taranaki Youth Services. He also spent seven years with The Solomon Group as a Senior Youth Mentor and Youth Coach, supporting rangatahi to grow, connect, and succeed.

A proud partner and father to a five-year-old daughter, he now carries his mana into his role as a Kaiawhina Ākonga with Hāpai Tohono Whānau. In this role, he is dedicated to serving the Ōtara community by supporting tauira and whānau through care, guidance, and lived experience.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services 

Loseli is of Tatakamotonga, Tongatapu and Felemea, Haʻapai whakapapa, and was born and raised in Ōtara. 

He brings experience from logistics, warehousing, and reach and forklift operating, where he developed a strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. While these skills remain valuable, his true passion lies in supporting rangatahi and making a positive difference in their lives.

Over the past two years, Loseli has worked as a youth mentor, walking alongside young people to support their personal growth, wellbeing, and development. He is committed to creating safe, respectful, and encouraging spaces where rangatahi feel seen, heard, and valued.

A man of faith, Loseli has served in youth leadership within his church for the past five years, supporting young people to understand their identity, purpose, and strengths through their faith.  He is married to his Tongan wife, and together they are blessed with two children.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services   

Ngai Tahu, Ngaati Toa Rangatira, 

Houma ki Tonga

Born and raised in Onehunga, Selah is a youth worker with experience in the attendance and truancy space, having worked across both frontline and administrative mahi. Through this work, she has supported rangatahi and whānau to navigate barriers to engagement, strengthen connections with education, and access the right supports.

A proud Māori, Tongan, and Irish wāhine now rooted in South Auckland, Selah is deeply passionate about encouraging and empowering rangatahi to recognise their strengths and potential. 

Her mahi is guided by lived experience, strong community values, and a genuine commitment to creating safe, culturally grounded spaces where young people feel supported to thrive in who they are.