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

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