Meet our kaiāwhina

Kairākau Awhi Limited is one of a number of pākihi established by Kairākau Kaikohe, a whānau kaupapa that stands in hapūtanga and whakapapa Māori in all of its mahi and development.

We demonstrate that through whakapapa, whanaungatanga and wānanga we can connect in the most meaningful ways and be truly unlimited in our potential - both individually and collectively.

We believe that through cultural elevation and reclamation, we all have the capacity for realising our truest aspirations while reclaiming our own vision of success.

We're fighting on a different front than our tūpuna did, but the battle for our survival is no less fierce, and no less critical. We know we're not the only ones out here doing the do, and if you think we might be able to do something together get in touch and let's chat.

Indigenise. Elevate.

WeAre
Warriors.

Get in touch

Heather, our go-to Minute Taker and Board Secretary. Originating from Scotland, she found her heart's home in Aotearoa, in 2015.

With a rich background in both public and private sectors, she brings a diverse skill set to the table. Whether it's executive support or managing complex projects, Board of Trustee administration, or ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.

Her dedication extends beyond professional tasks being deeply involved in community service, holding roles like the Hato Hone St John Area Committee Secretary and Civil Defence Welfare Manager. 

Her commitment to Te Ao Māori, driven by her Scottish heritage, has led her to gain a diploma and certificates in this field, constantly striving to grow her knowledge and understanding of her role as Tangata Tiriti.

NGĀTI KŌTIMANA
TANGATA TIRITI

Heather Kuka

Pou Āniwaniwa
Post supporting the ridge pole in the back wall of a meeting house.

Born in Kemureti Cambridge and having whakapapa to Otaki as well as Te Taitokerau, I’m excited to be making significant contributions as part of our administrative service provision for our whānau, hapū and communities.

As Lead Virtual Assistant for Kairākau I'm organisational extraordinaire and the key client interface for task delegations. Also supporting Kirsty in our high-level business operations, my dedication, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of Te Ao Māori makes me an invaluable asset to our team as well as to the wider Kairākau outcomes.

With a background in supply chain management and FMCG I bring a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to serving our whānau. I'm stoked to be working in a fast moving alternative environment that more directly impacts our kaupapa Māori initiatives and organisations.

NGAI TE RANGI
NGĀTI TUKOREHE
NGĀTI HINE

tyla wehipeihana

Pou Tāhū
Post supporting the ridge pole at the front of a Marae

Kirsty has taken the lead throughout our acceleration to scale in all of our processes, systems and organisation. Her determination to meet company objectives saw her bring her own vision and meaning to our outcomes which has been pivotal in the success of Kairākau's growth and development to date.

She has ensured that this has been transferred in a way that is meaningful to all of the new kaimahi that come onboard and that they in turn are able to see their own visions and stories within the company.

Kirsty has been working hard in the background to keep all the balls rolling with any tasks we throw at her. She is of Māori, Samoan and Irish descent and also shares whakapapa back to Kaikohe and Taheke.

NGĀTI PAKAU
TE MĀHUREHURE
NGĀTI UEONEONE
NGĀTI TAUTAHI
TANGATA MOANA

KIRSTY VEA

Pou Tokomanawa
Post supporting the ridge pole at the centre of a Marae


Born and raised in Waitakere, I moved to Kaikohe in search of my whakapapa through my late Nanny-Pa, which since has been the strongest driving force in all of my success. 

The vision and strategy for Kairākau Awhi started only as a flexible work opportunity for myself while raising my young whanau and growing their roots on the kāinga, and I am so proud of what it has grown into.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to embed myself in the Kaikohe community as mana whenua, hapū kaimahi, and through other extensive community placements and networks, which are all āhua I bring into all of my spaces.

My role as hau kāinga in turn informs all of our high level strategies towards ensuring we are well positioned to bring the most value to our most in need kaimahi. 

NGĀTI WHAKAEKE
NGĀTI UEONEONE
NGĀTI RANGI KI NGAWHA
TE URI O HAU
TE ROROA
TE WHĀNAU A HINERUPE

SCARLET MOKARAKA

Tokomanawa
The Centre Ridge Pole of a Marae

Mā wai āu?

No hea au Na wai au

As the world's only industry-registered, hapū-led Māori Virtual Assistant Agency we have been designed to work in the most natural way to serve our indigenous and some of the most high-complex need communities.


WORLD LEADERS

Hapū-Led

Our vision includes the success of our whānau, hapū, marae, takiwā and iwi towards intergenerational well-being.

Tangata Tiriti

Uniquely equipped with the tools and expertise to navigate our most complex environments in Aotearoa, not just for Māori but all of our Tiriti partners.

Economic Enablement

Providing employment, promoting self-sufficiency and offering access to development opportunities that are truly aspirational.

Get in Touch

Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about our virtual assistant services and how we can help you achieve your goals.