Baylee joins us following roles as a Housing Navigator and Youth Mentor. Connecting with people and using her people skills to support whānau through listening and offering suggestions for different family member’s needs is Baylee’s passion.

Manaakitanga and creating a safe space for people to feel welcome and comfortable are really important for Whānau Ora Navigator Suzi. Working for many years in administration and office manager roles, Suzi was eager to get back out in the community, which would enable her to engage kanohi ki te kanohi with whānau.

Our Kaiwhakahaere Ruth proudly serves and leads her community through action and open discussion. Her work to create change for people with disabilities and Māori is well recognised throughout Aotearoa. Alongside her husband Gary, Ruth has worked to firmly establish Hei Whakapiki Mauri as a group that supports the mauri of disabled Māori.

Our Kaiwhakahaere Gary brings a wealth of experience and advocacy knowledge to his role here. Along with his wife Ruth, the work that Hei Whakapiki Mauri does is deeply embedded in his life and connects with his own experiences. Having worked in CEO and advisory positions, Gary has the background knowledge to push for legislative changes, greater awareness, and louder voices for our disabled whānau.

Melanie has always liked to eat the kai that she has grown, and this has morphed into her livelihood for the past 6 years. She grew up in Waihōpai (Invercargill) with horticulture and growing kai, but never expected to make her living from that childhood learning.

Being a people person who loves to help, considerate and caring with a contagious laugh, as well as having an administration background, Catherine is the perfect person for this role.