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

  Kaituitui Tautoko Pakihi 

  Ngāti Maniapoto

 He wāhine Māori ahau, guided by aroha and purpose. With nearly 30 years’ experience across education, logistics, and customer service, I bring calm, care, and capability to every space I’m in. Most recently at Māngere College, I wore many hats — Principal’s PA, Office Administrator, Board Secretary, and proudly, Whaea to MC rangatahi.

People are at the heart of my mahi, and I support them with manaaki, warmth, and a good dose of humour. I’m a proud māmā and nanny, happiest spending time with my whānau, and a quiet UFC and Muay Thai fan with elite-level couch commentary.

“You are a child of the universe… therefore, be at peace with your soul.” — Desiderata

  Kaiwhakahaere Tuarua

  Ngāpuhi

Ko Zatrius Tukerangi Paku ahau, a proud ex-rangatahi of the Mana Turoa programme. I have experience in customer service, warehousing, and veterinary nursing, and hold a NZ Level 4 Certificate in Real Estate.

I’m passionate about housing assistance, property management, and advocacy, believing safe, well-managed homes are the foundation of strong Māori and Pacific communities. Guided by “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” I value patience, growth, and protecting what we build together. As a proud kuri māmā and mātāmua, I strive to be a strong wahine role model, breaking generational cycles and creating positive change.

Kaihautū  Rangatahi

  Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Porou

Ko Rob ahau, born and raised in Ōtara. I’m an experienced tutor, mentor, facilitator, and performer, having worked directly with rangatahi for over 20 years. I’ve served as Music Director at Excel School of Performing Arts, Gateway Coordinator at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate for nearly 15 years, and more recently mentoring rangatahi involved in the youth justice system.

Walking alongside young people and supporting growth and positive change is a privilege I deeply value. I’m married to my beautiful Samoan Queen, Anna, and we are proud parents to seven amazing tamariki.

 Kaiārahi Rangatahi 

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

 Ko Shyanne ahau, born and raised in Hauraki with roots in Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Te Whānau-a-Apanui. I bring over seven years’ experience working with tamariki, rangatahi, and Māori communities, specialising in programs that celebrate culture, growth, and empowerment.

A passionate rugby player and sports enthusiast, I bring energy and team spirit to everything I do. I’m a proud mum to a beautiful boy who inspires me every day, and I’m dedicated to supporting rangatahi success through community, te ao Māori, and collaboration.

 Kaiwhakahaere Manaaki Tangata (Social Service Manager)

Ngāpuhi

Ko Jonsal Tautari tōku ingoa. He wahine Ngāpuhi ahau.
I am a qualified social worker, proud Ngāpuhi wahine, and mum to two beautiful tamariki. Whānau is the heartbeat of my world and the foundation of everything I do.

With a lifelong passion for rugby league, I’ve been honored to represent my culture through the Indigenous All Stars campaign. I now give back to my Pukekohe community, working in youth and women’s rugby league spaces, empowering the next generation and supporting our most vulnerable through my mahi.

Ko te whānau te manawa o tōku ao, ko rātou te take o taku oranga.”
My family is the heartbeat of my world; they are the reason for my life.

  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

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

Ko Daniel ahau, born and raised in Flaxmere, Hastings, now based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I’m a registered teacher with experience leading the Alternative Education Department at Māngere College and previously serving as Learning Leader at InZone Education. I also teach Bicultural Social Services in adult education at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and am completing a Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge, focusing on Indigenous approaches to youth development and education.

Passionate about creating culturally grounded, safe spaces, I’m excited to join Hāpai Tūhono as a Kaihāpai Rangatahi, supporting rangatahi to thrive and realise their potential.

E tipu, e rea, mō ngā rā o tō ao…

  Kaihāpai Rangatahi

Ngāpuhi

He uri ahau nō Ngāpuhi, a wahine Māori e ū ana ki te whānau. I grew up in South Auckland, where I continue to raise my tamariki. For 14 years, I’ve worked in community and social services, building meaningful relationships and serving our people.

My kaupapa is walking alongside rangatahi, supporting them to stand fully in their mana motuhake, embrace their identity, and realize their potential.

Kua pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi – mō tātou, ā, mō ngā uri ā muri ake nei.
Tehei mauri ora

    Kaihāpai Rangatahi

I was raised in West Auckland and now call Pukekohe home. I’m Samoan from Vailele and Saleimoa, and Tahitian from Papenoo. After exploring a few different jobs, I found my heart in working with rangatahi, supporting their growth, connection, and pathways to success.

Sport — especially rugby league and softball — has been central to my journey, helping me build community, lifelong friendships, and spaces to be fully myself. I’m passionate about empowering young people to dream big and make it happen.

Up da Wahs! 

    Kaihāpai Rangatahi

I’m a proud Samoan woman raised in Māngere and a former NRLW player for the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, and Newcastle Knights, having represented both Samoa and New Zealand internationally.

I bring 7+ years’ experience working with rangatahi in schools, most recently as Sports Coordinator at Southern Cross Campus. Grounded in family, culture, and community — and inspired by my strong single mother — I’m passionate about using sport, leadership, and lived experience to uplift young people and create pathways for their success.

“If I can bless one young person a day, then I know I’m doing my job right.”

Attendance Service Manager

Ko Sione Sione ahau, a New Zealand–born Samoan raised in Papakura. I hold the Tulafale title of Aogamalie from my father’s family in Puipa’a, Upolu, and proudly carry my mother’s aiga from Sa’asa’ai, Savai’i. My strong Pasifika identity shapes my values and approach to leadership.

I have extensive experience across community, health, and sport sectors in South Auckland. A former professional and semi-professional rugby player, I now coach at grassroots and representative levels, mentoring and empowering young leaders to create positive change. I live in Papakura with my wife, Tuimaseve Cissy, and our two dogs, Rokkit and Jettson.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

 Ngaati Maniapoto, Ngaati Wai

Ko Jaelyn ahau, born and raised in Flaxmere, Hastings — the “Promised Land” — where strong whānau and community values shaped who I am. Guided by the whakataukī “Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu,” I believe in uplifting and resourcing people so they can reach their full potential.

I’m passionate about empowering Māori and Pasifika communities, advocating for equity and access, and supporting people to pursue their boldest aspirations. Outside of mahi, I enjoy the gym, time with my energetic three-year-old nephew and catching up on some well-earned rest.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

Ko Larren ahau, born in South Africa and raised in Aotearoa from the age of six. I bring nearly four years’ experience supporting rangatahi in South Auckland, including work in the attendance space, partnering with whānau to reduce barriers and strengthen pathways back into education.

A lifelong sport enthusiast, particularly soccer, I use sport as a tool to connect with and inspire young people. I’m a proud father to my 12-year-old son, my daily motivation, and I’m committed to helping rangatahi thrive alongside whānau and the wider community.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

Fakaalofa Lahi Atu. Ko Rocky ahau, a proud second-generation Niuean, born and raised in Ōtara. My journey has been shaped by Ōtara’s vibrant urban culture and music scene, alongside extensive experience in youth development, including youth justice, community initiatives like Ōtara Bike Life, and seven years as Senior Youth Mentor and Coach with The Solomon Group.

Now as Kaiawhina Ākonga with Hāpai Tūhono Whānau, I’m dedicated to supporting tauira and whānau through care, guidance, and lived experience. I’m also a proud partner and father to a five-year-old daughter.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services

 Tatakamotonga, Tongatapu and Felemea, Haʻapai 

Ko Loseli ahau, born and raised in Ōtara. I have experience in logistics, warehousing, and forklift operation, where I developed a strong work ethic and reliability, but my true passion is supporting rangatahi.

For the past two years, I’ve worked as a youth mentor, walking alongside young people to support their growth, wellbeing, and development, creating safe, respectful spaces where they feel seen and valued. Guided by my faith, I’ve also served in youth leadership within my church for five years. I’m married to my Tongan wife, and we are blessed with two children.

   Kaiawhina Ākonga – Attendance Services   

Ngai Tahu, Ngaati Toa Rangatira, 

Houma ki Tonga

Ko Selah ahau, born and raised in Onehunga and now rooted in South Auckland. I’m a youth worker with experience in attendance and truancy, supporting rangatahi and whānau to navigate barriers, strengthen connections with education, and access the right supports.

As a proud Māori, Tongan, and Irish wāhine, I’m passionate about empowering rangatahi to recognise their strengths and potential. My mahi is guided by lived experience, strong community values, and a commitment to creating safe, culturally grounded spaces where young people can thrive as themselves.