Our Whānau

Adel came to New Zealand as one of the first quota refugee minors in 1989. He holds a BA in Education and linguistics, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, and an MA (Hon). He has recently completed his postgraduate studies in professional art practice at Toihoukura the Maori Visual Arts School in Tairāwhiti.

Adel has worked as a teacher and has served in various Public Service Senior Advisory roles in Aotearoa and overseas. In recent years, he has been a consultant in race relations, refugee resettlement and Human Rights qnd refugee health. Adel is a UNESCO RILA AFFILIATE REFUGEE ARTIST through the University of Glasgow. He is the founder of arts-based initiatives of Prints for Good and Toi Rito: Arts for Human Rights, where he collaborated with Tāiki e! to offer 17 arts based workshops inspired by UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Currently he is a Tairāwhiti/ Tāmaki based practicing artist, researcher and a collaborator at Intercultural Connections.

A spontaneous dancer and passionate advocate for women’s suffrage, Alice is the owner of Ask Alice and passionate about community development.

She was a nominee for Young New Zealander of the Year in 2017, a Kiwibank Local Hero, and a four-time Gisborne Youth Award winner.

Since starting her business at 19, she has served over 250 women-run businesses, helping them confidently share their stories through social media and build communities that generate consistent sales.

Having faced numerous challenges since finishing school—such as running for council at 18, suffering two ankle injuries, and undergoing four surgeries—she draws on her experiences to inspire others. She loves to share her story of resilience in hopes of encouraging rangatahi to start their own businesses.

Anika is one of our rangatahi escape room game masters and manager of the Tāiki e! shop, which features unique merchandise crafted in the hack lab. Before this, she gained experience in dairy farming and hospitality.

Anika loves wearing black and is the quiet energy moving our Tāiki e! Next Gen initiatives along. Her dedication, direct manner and dry sense of humour help keep it real in the whare.

Walking through the doors of Tāiki e! was one of the best decisions Annie ever made. She loves being inspired by others in the whare, gaining tips and suggestions that support her wellbeing and her mahi. Annie is passionate about ensuring people are aware of all their options, especially in deathcare and the funeral space. As a co-founder of Manaaki Mats, a funeral celebrant, and an End of Life Doula, she advocates for greater awareness in these areas. A lifelong learner, Annie thrives on connecting with people and listening to their stories, which she transforms into life legacy work. She’s currently on a mission to walk up Titirangi 1,000 times, loves a good laugh, researching whakapapa, and always tries to see the positive side of life.

Brooklyn Lyndon-Tonga is a web development student from Ngati Porou and Ngati Hine. She somehow juggles coding, parenting, and staying zen. Fueled by a passion for tech, storytelling, and Māori culture, she’s on a self-improvement journey that’s equal parts HTML, heart emojis, and trying to keep herself alive. When she's not debugging code or dodging tiny human chaos, you'll find her hiding with her nose-deep in a romance novel.

An experienced professional with a rich and diverse background in social policy, research, and indigenous community development. With a strong focus on social enterprise development, he has successfully navigated both government and private sectors. His work explores alternative approaches to regenerative economies and social entrepreneurship, particularly through an indigenous lens. As the Director of Kiko Innovation, he leads initiatives that foster entrepreneurial growth and innovation infrastructure, while actively mobilizing communities. He is passionate about using indigenous wisdom and principles to create innovative solutions for social and environmental challenges. A founding member of Tāiki e! Impact House, he is dedicated to building a collaborative environment for changemakers and social entrepreneurs, exploring the concept of the aroha economy. With extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and design thinking, he continues to drive projects that generate positive, sustainable impact. Father of three. Husband of one. Master of none.

Cherish grew up in Turanganui-ā-Kiwa and has whakapapa to Ngāti Porou and Rongowhakaata. She specialises in communications advisory, development and delivery and has extensive experience in Māori development kaupapa; community engagement; digital communications; marketing; and project management. She is now working as the Principal Māori Communications Advisor at the Department of Internal Affairs, and a Sub-Committee member for Hiruharama Marae Ruatoria, driving the development and implementation of their Marae Development. She is passionate about leveraging storytelling for positive impact and building strong networks.

Chris is a multi-talented maker and one of the dedicated members of the Haututu Hacklab. Skilled in 3D printing, laser cutting, CAD, and circuit board design and fabrication, he brings a range of technical expertise to the lab, often exploring new projects and innovative builds. In addition to his tech-driven skills, Chris has a passion for tabletop wargaming and PC gaming, making him a key part of the gaming community as well.

Outside of his creative pursuits, Chris has a varied professional background; he became the owner of Carpet Court in 2022 and has experience in food manufacturing, hydraulic servicing, and even the military. His diverse skill set and interests make him a valued member of the hacklab community, always ready to share his knowledge and collaborate on new challenges.

Danica is currently training to become a full stack web developer through the Dev Academy bootcamp, diving into the world of coding and technology. With a love for anime, video games, and mobile games, she balances her digital interests with family time, outdoor walks, badminton, and trips to the gym. A natural multi-tasker, Danika also enjoys cooking, baking, and even getting back into dance.

Danica’s journey into tech began as a way to make her time away from her kids meaningful now that they’re in school, seeking a career change that allows her to keep learning and growing alongside them. Her curiosity and drive for upskilling make her a dedicated learner and an inspiring addition to the tech community.

Pāpā Danny is a co-founder of Ngā Tapuwae Caskets and a dedicated Trustee at Hiruharama Marae, where he is deeply connected to his hapū and committed to serving his community. Known for his signature saying, "There's no such thing as can't," Pāpā Danny brings a generous, can-do attitude to all his work. Whether he's addressing funeral poverty through affordable end-of-life services or maintaining his Marae’s urupā with meticulous care, his dedication is unwavering.

As a board member of Age Concern, Pāpā Danny advocates tirelessly for elders, helping ensure that support is always within reach. His contributions to Tāiki e! are extensive—he nearly single-handedly painted the Hacklab during its creation, always bringing contagious energy and positivity. If you’re in Te Tairāwhiti, he’s ready with a warm cuppa, a yarn, and an open heart, always working toward the betterment of his whānau and community.

David, better known as Lobo, is a Junior Software Developer from Colombia with a flair for AI, tech, and humor. Residing in Gisborne with his wife Kami, he’s one of the vibrant hacklabbers at Tāiki e!, where he’s helping to set up an AI station. With a broad range of skills, from podcasting to gardening and a recent knack for guiding mindfulness meditations, Lobo brings depth and insight into every project. He’s famous for his delicious rice and beans and loves feeding the whānau. Known for his big brain and witty disruptiveness, he’s always ready to spark laughter and remind everyone not to take life too seriously.

Debs is a data enthusiast through and through! She’s the founder of Awhi App, a tech startup providing real-time wellbeing data to organisations, and works as a Data Analyst for Manaaki Tairāwhiti, where she helps transform data into actionable insights. Always eager to explore new data-driven solutions, Debs is known for her excitement about all things tech and the innovative possibilities that data can bring to solve real-world problems. In her downtime, she’s a proud and active mum of some very bright, energetic kids and keeps her own energy up by playing lawn bowls.

Emilie is a community manager dedicated to supporting New Zealand's startup ecosystem, currently building a supportive network for Helmet, a mental health app. With a deep commitment to well-being, she brings her expertise as a certified breathwork and meditation practitioner, making valuable tools accessible to local communities. Emilie is also training to become a commercial skipper, working toward her skipper's license as she learns to navigate both powerboats and yachts around New Zealand. A lover of the outdoors, she thrives when she's close to the water—whether surfing, diving, sailing, or even snowboarding. Emilie combines her passion for community building, mental well-being, and the ocean to inspire and uplift those around her.

Fiona is an enigmatic artist whose creative mind reflects her deep, introspective nature. Her artwork is known for its layers of meaning, inviting viewers to engage with its rich symbolism and thoughtful expression. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Visual Māori Art at Toihoukura, Fiona draws inspiration from her strong whakapapa, hailing from Ngāti Whakaue, Ngā Ariki Kaiputahi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāi Tamanuhiri, and Te Arawa.

Her connection to her iwi and cultural heritage shines through in her work, blending traditional Māori influences with contemporary artistic practices. Whether working with paint, sculpture, or mixed media, Fiona’s creative sense allows her to explore deep philosophical questions, bringing forth stories from both her personal journey and ancestral lineage.

Jacopo Orazi is the heart and soul behind Radice Soil Solution, a Gisborne-based business on a mission to regenerate soil health and bring sustainable farming to the forefront. When he’s not out in the fields or running workshops, you’ll probably find him catching waves, peering through a microscope at the tiny wonders of soil life, or perfecting his homemade Italian tiramisu. Originally from Italy, Jacopo brings a love for nature and community into everything he does, whether he’s working with local farmers or experimenting with new ways to support soil biodiversity. Passionate about protecting the environment, he’s driven to make a lasting impact on both the land and the people who depend on it.

Meet James Gunther: From Wires to Wiggly Characters! Once upon a time in the sunny land of Gisborne, James Gunther was just your average electrician, expertly maneuvering through wires and circuits. But after a back-breaking incident—literally—James found himself at a crossroads. After some heartfelt chats with his wife, Rach, who clearly has a knack for seeing potential where others see broken backs, she suggested he follow his artistic dreams. Spoiler alert: he took her advice! With a spark of inspiration (and maybe a few too many cups of coffee), James moved the whanau to Wellywood where he dove into the world of animation, earning a Diploma of Film and Animation and a Bachelor in Animation. Who knew that the kid who doodled in the margins of his textbooks (barely finishing school) would one day be creating animations that could make your heart skip a beat? Now, James and Rach are proud parents of two energetic boys and have embarked on a new adventure: FortyTen Studios! Nestled in the creative hub of Haututu Hacklab in Treble Court, they’re turning their wildest ideas into animated reality—one laugh, one tear, and one epic dance move at a time. James is on a mission to prove that art can pay the bills and is dedicated to sharing his hard-earned wisdom with the community, proving that whether you’re drawing stick figures or complex characters, there’s a place for creativity in the world. So, if you ever find yourself in Mahia or Gisborne, keep an eye out for this animation aficionado, who’s now living proof that life can be a colorful adventure—especially when you animate it!

Josh, originally from California, is currently studying to become a counselor while working at Tauawhi Men's Centre. With a background in professional photography, having studied at the New York Institute of Photography, he has traveled extensively and nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit by starting and managing various businesses. Josh is also an avid learner of permaculture principles and is passionate about sustainable living. He is now exploring how to integrate his love for gardening with his counseling skills to empower communities, providing access to nutrient-dense food while fostering mental and emotional well-being.

Kami is a talented artist from Colombia with a quiet, focused dedication to her craft. Her work delves into sacred geometries and explores identities through intricate patterns, reflecting deep connections between the self and the universe. She is also a trained yoga teacher, specializing in yoga for children, bringing her calm, mindful approach to her teaching. In addition to her art, Kami holds a degree in electrical engineering and helps people navigate the complexities of technology. Though separate from her creative work, both areas reflect her analytical mind and attention to detail.

Keanu is a skilled developer and an active member of the Haututu Hacklab. A graduate of Dev Academy, he currently works on Microsoft’s Power Platform team, building solutions in low-code environments with Power Apps and Power Automate. Keanu is in his second year of an internship with the engineering consultancy ARUP, where he contributes to cybersecurity, product application development, and ServiceNow projects, expanding his expertise in technology and development. Outside of work, Keanu enjoys gaming and cherishes time with his kids, especially his little one, affectionately known as the "fat baby." His blend of professional skills and dedication to family makes him a valued member of the hacklab community.

Keelan is a skilled outdoorsman with a background in the army and a passion for teaching bushcraft and hunting to rangatahi at his Bush Kura. Living rurally, he grows his own food and runs his own businesses while also developing Māori environmental ranger cadets around Aotearoa. His deep knowledge of survival and wilderness skills, combined with his experience in leadership and self-sufficiency, make him a trusted guide for young learners. Keelan is a proud father of five and is supported by his wife, a financial expert who complements his lifestyle of sustainable living.

Maria (aka Mac) is currently studying and working as an early childhood carer, bringing her background in community development and education into her new role. Known for her fun and energetic approach, she creates nurturing and inclusive environments that inspire young learners. With a strong foundation in child-centered care, Mac is dedicated to fostering children's development and guiding them through their early years with compassion and joy.

Mariska is a passionate gardener and a dedicated community builder based in Tairāwhiti. As one of the organizers of Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti, she contributes to spaces of innovation and collaboration within her community. Her expertise spans across various fields, including permaculture design, social innovation, and community development.

In addition, Mariska is an avid reader and huge fan of the local library. Her curiosity drives her to continually learn new skills, with her current focus being on CAD design. She is committed to creating infrastructure that enables effective collaboration among individuals and organizations.

Mariska also serves on the board of Drones Doing Good, an organization dedicated to utilizing drone technology for humanitarian purposes. Her contributions to the field of ethics in technology are highlighted in the publication, "What’s Ethics Got to Do With It?". With a unique blend of practical gardening skills, innovative thinking, and a passion for community development, Mariska continues to develop her skill set and contribute to spaces of hope.

For anyone confused about her accent, she was born in Aotearoa and moved to the Netherlands at the age of 10. Since then, she lived in Germany, Spain, India and Zimbabwe before coming back home.

Morgane is a French architect who has worked across France, La Réunion, Polynesia, Spain, and Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, bringing a broad, international perspective to her designs. Beyond architecture, she has a deep love for creative projects, from pottery to crafting items from waste materials and found objects. Morgane is also part of the waka hourua crew in Tairāwhiti, linking her to the rich navigation culture of the region. A regular at Tāiki e! for Tasty Tuesday, she’s always happy to pitch in and help wherever she can.

Naomi Simmonds (Raukawa, Ngāti Huri) is a knowledge seeker, story collector, and researcher who leads Taku Tapuwae, an independent research company born from her love of learning and commitment to the whenua and those who care for it. Her passion lies in understanding how we learn from and with the environment. When she's not working alongside whānau at Pikitū Marae or retracing ancestral footsteps (including an incredible 380km journey following Mahinaarangi's path!), you'll likely find her adding to her ever-growing book collection – she's never met a bookstore she could resist!

A proud māmā to three tamariki, Naomi dreams of taking her tamariki on a worldwide library tour, though her own home library keeps expanding faster than she can find shelf space! Her favourite kind of days are those spent at Pikitū Marae, where every conversation adds another layer to the rich tapestry of stories she collects and shares. Between research ventures and taiao adventures with her tamariki around, she still holds onto her childhood dream of being/meeting Mariah Carey, though these days she's more likely to be found sharing pūrākau with her children or tending to her worm farm and dabbling in gardening.

Founder of Mrpeipz Designs, Paora is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in te ao Māori, specializing in digital design with a focus on interior artwork and sculptural pieces that honour both tradition and innovation. Graduating from Toihoukura in 2022, he launched his career with a commitment to weaving Māori perspectives into contemporary art spaces. Alongside his role as a dedicated Pāpā, Paora balances his thriving art practice with being a professional Haututu in the Haututu Hacklab, where he pushes the boundaries of digital and tactile mediums, exploring the dynamic intersections of art, culture, and technology from a uniquely Māori worldview.

Parvaris, or "Bomb" as he’s known, is a passionate tech enthusiast with a sharp focus on Microsoft Power Platform development, where he crafts dynamic solutions for complex challenges. A member of the pioneering Dev Academy cohort at Tāiki e!, Bomb has become a de facto mentor for subsequent Dev Academy graduates, sharing his expertise and offering support with boundless generosity. When he's not immersed in tech, you'll find him riding motorcycles or exploring digital worlds. Known also for his culinary skills, Bomb makes a legendary Thai Beef noodle soup, a whānau favorite.

Phil is the Director of Next Chapter Consulting, offering Business Analysis, Project Management, Career Transition services, and recently expanding into Managed Services and AI consulting. Under this umbrella, he launched Tūpuna Pai, an AgriTech SaaS product focused on supporting land stewards, particularly in the beef and sheep farming sectors. With a passion for driving innovation and creating opportunities, Phil is committed to helping his community enter the tech industry. He is dedicated to doing good for people and the planet through his work in technology and sustainable business.

Phil Scott is a passionate woodworker with over 45 years of experience working with timber. He holds a New Zealand National Certificate in Carpentry, which has provided him with a solid foundation in various woodworking techniques and practices. Throughout his career, Phil has honed his skills across a range of projects, from custom furniture to bespoke homes, always prioritizing craftsmanship and quality.

Beyond his work, Phil enjoys sharing his knowledge, mentoring young carpenters, and participating in community woodworking workshops. He is also skilled in leadlighting, traditional weaving (Level 4 Raranga), painting (Level 3 Toi), as well as 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, and engineering.

Phil also runs his own business, D&K Photography, specializing in school photography. Currently, he and his partner are building their family home on their property in Gisborne.

Pāpā Ralph brings his rich life experience and deep connection to community into everything he does. A skilled stonemason by trade, he ran a successful landscaping business in Australia before returning to Aotearoa, where he became a dedicated pounamu carver in Rotorua. His compassion and dedication to others are evident in his past work, including social support roles with youth on the autism spectrum. Now based in Tairāwhiti, Pāpā Ralph continues to give back through various community roles, such as serving on the board of Age Concern and co-leading Ngā Tapuwae Caskets with Pāpā Danny, providing affordable, meaningful caskets for local whānau. Pāpā Ralph’s presence and commitment to uplifting others make him a cherished and respected member of the community.

Renay Charteris is a dedicated Company Director and community builder with a strong background in finance. Passionate about fostering connections and driving positive change, Renay spends her free time engaging in discussions about systems change, exploring innovative solutions for community challenges. Her enriching experience living in Canada has provided her with valuable insights into indigenous worldviews, which she integrates into her work and community initiatives. With a commitment to collaboration and growth, Renay strives to empower others and create lasting impacts within her community.

Hails from the big metropolis of Rangitukia. The founder of Te Hā O Te Reo, a multi-modal Māori language learning and coaching service. 35 years experience teaching te reo Māori, facilitating a learning system that is embracing of different learning styles, abilities and goals. Riria embraces the use of technology, enabling her to run her business online while staying in Rangitukia where she is deeply embedded in the local community and passionately tends to her māra kai and chooks.

Ron Taiapa is a local legend in Tairāwhiti, renowned for his deep knowledge of Mahinga kai. He exemplifies the aroha economy through his generosity and vibrant personality, he is someone who loves connecting with others. A dedicated partner, father and grandfather, Ron plays a vital role in weaving together community relationships and supporting initiatives like how to bring back growing kai in backyards and community spaces and breathing life into the Ngahere Network concept, a native nursery cooperative. His expertise in horticulture extends beyond personal practice; he is actively involved in teaching others about sustainable growing methods rooted in traditional practices. Ron is a true connector, empowering local initiatives with his knowledge and spirit.

Sam Aberahama has recently retired from Policing after 36 years, the last 14 years as the Police Commander in Tairawhiti. Some highlights include walking alongside communities, whanau and individuals on their journeys.

Sam is working alongside Tim Marshall of Tauawhi and Cain Kerehoma of Taiki e to help develop a Community-led Prevention partner initiative in our region. This collaboration brings together Tauawhi’s extensive experience in men’s support since 2010 and Taiki e’s innovative approach to community impact.

Sam is loving the experience and is continuously learning in the community space.

Sam enjoys exploring the beautiful Tairawhiti region with his wife Cathy and spending time with his mum, children and mokopuna in Hawke’s Bay.

Steph is an enthusiastic, driven, and outgoing professional creative and educator with a strong sense of purpose. Currently an arts teacher at EIT, she brings a wealth of experience that spans animation, digital design, painting, and performance. Her background includes teaching in schools, leading creative workshops, and working in film acting, stage performance, and directing. Steph’s multidisciplinary approach reflects her dedication to the arts and her commitment to nurturing creativity in others. Passionate about helping students explore their artistic potential, she combines hands-on learning with her diverse industry knowledge to inspire future artists and thinkers.

Steve Main is the Northern Regional Manager for AREC Emergency Communications, where he mentors and supports teams across the upper North Island in maintaining reliable communication systems for emergency response. With extensive experience as an educator, he has taught and developed courses on topics like electric and hybrid vehicles, coding, robotics, and project management at both polytechnic and private institutions.

Steve is part of the Gisborne Amateur Radio Club, where he teaches Ham Cram courses, certifying people to broadcast on amateur radio networks worldwide.

He also brings his expertise to Tāiki e!'s Haututu Hacklab, joining a community of tinkerers and innovators, where he shares technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Passionate about connecting with others, Steve is committed to supporting community growth and resilience through education and practical solutions.

Tabea Walker is a dedicated Ski and Snowboard instructor with four winter seasons of instructing experience. Her passion for winter sports extends beyond the slopes, as she also creates engaging content for social media.

In addition to her instructing role, Tabea has successfully managed social media for two Startup Weekend Tāirawhiti events, demonstrating her ability to blend creativity with strategic communication. She showcases various community projects through social media, such as Tui Tui Tuhia, an event celebrating Māori authors. Her dynamic presence online is a testament to her skills in content creation, capturing the essence of these projects and sharing them with a broad audience.

Tabea's enthusiasm for winter sports is matched by her love for vanlife, traveling, and exploring different forms of art. Whether she's hitting the slopes, exploring new destinations, or experimenting with artistic endeavors, Tabea brings a spirited and adventurous approach to everything she does.

Te Atau is a core member of the Haututu Hacklab, bringing a variety of technical skills and creative energy to the community. With an interest in engineering, he takes charge of the Hacklab’s 3D printing space, operates the laser cutter, and keeps the podcasting room and equipment in top shape. Currently studying CAD design, Te Atau enjoys building custom machines to streamline his work in the lab.

Outside of Hacklab, he’s the game master at Nextgenescapes, Tairāwhiti's first escape room, where he crafts immersive experiences for visitors. Recently, he’s started dabbling in DJing, adding another layer to his repertoire of interactive and hands-on pursuits.

Vesna is a world champion waka ama paddler, International Paddling Coach, athlete, mum, and community champion who shares her knowledge and expertise with people in Tairāwhiti and around the world through coaching, online memberships, mentoring and workshops. She support her clients to develop strategies and tools for empowerment that help them to be faster and smarter on and off the water.

Zane is a new entrant at the Haututu Hacklab and Tāiki e! He's a self-taught Web and Software developer, tinkerer, and general nerd (and geek) for many years now, working professionally in IT for 15+ years. He loves art and projects that combine creative and technical skills, and loves to meet like-minded tinkerers who can talk through all the gory details.

In his spare time, Zane lives for music (often of the darker or heavier variety), gaming, Virtual Reality (especially the real sickness inducing stuff with a lot of freedom-of-movement), simulator racing and flying. He is also passionate about game development, and always has a few side-projects on the go in a variety of weird and wonderful programming languages.

While usually a shy character, get him talking shop and he'll never shut up!