Improving The Lifelong Outcomes Of Tamariki

Meet The Team

Kootuitui Staff and Volunteers

Meet the people behind Kootuitui’s success.

Abi Bond

CEO

I am a proud long-term resident of Papakura and was privileged to join Kootuitui ki Papakura a year ago. Kootuitui is an awesome organisation with staff and volunteers working in partnership with the community.

The collective impact of our Education, Health and Whaanau Strands supports young people growing up in Papakura to smash through postcode-related inequity to achieve their full potential. I believe passionately in the work of our organisation and the potential of our community to reverse the curve.

Aina Masina

Education Facilitator, Manaiakalani

I am excited to have the opportunity to help educate and influence the students and to see them grow as individuals. I believe that the students in the Kootuitui Cluster can make a difference within the world they live in.

This role focuses on the delivery of the Manaiakalani Programme to provide and engage students in a range of learning to develop a ‘Learn, Create and Share’ understanding.

Bini Vimal

Human Resource & Business Manager

Kia ora. I grew up here in Papakura and still reside locally. I started at Kootuitui in 2017 as the Chromebook Administrator, while also studying for my degree in Human Resources. Now graduated, my role as HR & Business Manager, gives me the opportunity to reach every aspect of Kootuitui and everyone in it – from the Board, through to our schools, CEO, colleagues and volunteers.

Denise Kitto

Operations Manager

I feel privileged to join the team at Kootuitui ki Papakura. I have experience working in the health and disability charitable sector, and I am passionate about helping drive change to reduce barriers and postcode-related inequities. I am excited to be working with the Kootuitui team and in partnership with the community to support young people to reach their full potential.

Emerson Tawhai

Warm Dry Homes Technician

I started my career in nursing and have since moved into the building industry. I’m excited to be a part of the Warm Dry Homes team so I can utilise my skills to support people to live better, healthy lives.

Evangelyn Nikolao

Chromebook Administrator

Talofa Lava. I have grown up in South Auckland and have recently finished attending Papakura High school. Walking into Kootuitui on my first day was very welcoming.

I also like the fact that we work within our community and with our youth, helping and giving support where needed. I am enjoying my time here and I am super keen to see what the future holds for me while working with Kootuitui ki Papakura.

Jan Piahana

Innovations Strand Leader

I was attracted to Kootuitui ki Papakura for its innovative initiatives that continue to provide wrap-around support for those in need in our community which I love and have lived in for the past 26 years.

I lead a team of dedicated staff/volunteers who support lifelong outcomes for tamariki and their whaanau.

Kasiano Tukuhaukava

Warm Dry Homes Technician Assistant

Malo le lei my name is Kas. Born and raised in South Auckland. My role is based around educating, assisting, and engaging with the community to support and develop essential skills for whaanau moving towards a more sustainable future. I’m grateful and honoured to be a part of the team and love the way it supports the community.

Maki Brown

Tamariki Manaaki Worker

Kia Ora. I am proud to call Papakura my hometown, where I was raised. My contributions to the community include serving through Netball Leagues and OSCAR programmes over the years. It is a privilege to be in this position at Kootuitui ki Papakura, following the completion of my Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work placement.

Melame Taupo

Financial Wellbeing Advisor

Kia ora. My background is in transport, social services, religious studies, and life. I am excited to be part of a motivated, passionate and energetic team of staff and volunteers, who have a great deal of knowledge and experience in their various roles within the Kootuitui whanau. I feel it an honour to serve the community of Papakura as part of the Budgeting Services team.

Press Pancha

Warm Dry Homes Technician

Kia ora. I was born and raised in South Auckland. My working experience began as an engineers draughtsman, then built and ran a kindergarten.

I came to Papakura High School 17 years ago as a caretaker and am thrilled to now be a part of the team at Kootuitui.

Ramona Jury

Financial Wellbeing Advisor

Kia ora. I have lived in Papakura since the 90s. I trained as a Budget Advisor in 2014 with the Christian Care Budget Service, completing my certificate under NZFFBS in 2016. I then became the Manager at the Christian Care Budget Service, in 2019. Christian Care then merged with Kootuitui in 2023, and is now known as the Kootuitui Budgeting Service.

Renee Tawhi

Kaituitui Coordinator

Tēnā tātou, Otara, my home, is where I have served as a secondary teacher for over 15 years. An māmā of four who believes in providing structure and space to allow all rangatahi the opportunity to become their best versions.

Joining Kōtuitui gives me the opportunity to empower Kōhine who aspire to enter into vocational or further education pathways but, unfortunately, have been impacted by covid-19.

Tamara Tairakena

Financial Wellbeing Advisor

Kia ora. I have been with Kootuitui for 8 years in various roles as a volunteer, and am now currently working a Financial Wellbeing Advisor at the Kootuitui Budgeting service. As well as co-facilitating our Money Skills course and doing administrative work. I enjoy working for Kootuitui ki Papakura because I feel that we are truly making a positive impact in our community.

Teremoana Te Hira

Special Projects Coordinator

Kia ora. I live in Otara and am in my 2nd year of completing my Bachelor of Applied Counseling through MIT. My previous mahi, was for a Kaupapa Maori organisation that dealt with whaanau living with mental health, helping whaanau who are self-sufficient in the community and to access a variety of community-based services. I joined Kootuitui ki Papakura in February 2024 as a mentorship to give mentees useful information and guidance in developing their abilities as efficient and effective employees.

Waihou Piahana

Whaanau Delivery & Vehicle Administrator

I have worked in the Whaanau Strand for almost five years. Initially as a volunteer Whaanau Facilitator and now as an employee. I love my current role with Kootuitui as part of the Whaanau Delivery team in supporting the needs of whaanau who are in isolation due to covid and are requiring food assistance. I have met people from all walks of life and enjoy connecting with them in fulfilling their basic needs in the home.

Whiti Herewini

Warm Dry Homes Administrator

I was born and raised in Mangere, and for the past 5 years have resided in Papakura. I was given the opportunity to work for Kootuitui ki Papakura – Warm Dry Homes. Thus far it has been an amazing experience, not only gaining the knowledge and experience for the Warm Dry Homes initiative, but also being able to engage with the Papakura Community. I look forward to being able to help more whaanau of the Papakura Community with warmer, dryer, homes – because you deserve it.