Tania Simpson

(Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Maniapoto) (Master Matauranga Maori, Te Wananga o Raukawa) 

Tania Simpson is the founding director of Kōwhai Consulting and has won a range of business awards. Tania is a trained negotiator and practiced facilitator with over 20 years experience in Māori development including business, education, land development, environment and Treaty issues. She is a director of Mighty River Power and Landcare Research NZ, a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and an accredited member of the Institute of Directors.

Tania has a strong background in Māori policy development within central government having worked at senior levels for Te Puni Kōkiri, Office of Treaty Settlements and Housing Corporation New Zealand. She has vast experience in delivering Treaty ans Negotiations training to numerous groups and organisations over the past thirteen years.  

Shane Te Ruki

(Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Porou)

Shane has a lifelong commitment to the maintenance and preservation of tikanga and te reo Māori.  Shane leads wānanga on tikanga and reo.  He is a long term member of the management committee of Te Hau Ora Kōhanga Reo, a Trustee of Tui Trust and a staunch supporter of enhancing Ngāti Maniapototanga.  Shane has produced cultural publications including a book on traditional Maniapoto moteatea as well as dictionary terms for Maniapoto dialect and traditional Māori knowledge.  Shane is a member of Te Paewhakawairua – Māori advisory committee to National Archives and recently graduated the Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo programme (a programme for higher learning of the Māori language and customs). 

He is a registered researcher with Archives New Zealand, National Library and the Alexander Turnbull Library as well as being a registered collector of taonga tūturu with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.  Shane is also working with Te Papa to help design the 2011 Tainui exhibition. 

Shane is an artist and specialist in tikanga Māori and has designed a seven piece contemporary Māori jewellery range called Puna for The New Zealand Mint.    He was amongst the first artists nationwide to be awarded the Toi Iho Māori Made Mark, a trademark of authenticity for Māori artworks. 

PIKI KNAP 

(Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāi Te Rangi)  (Bachelor of Management Studies, Waikato)

Piki has a long history in the field of tourism. She is the manager of the Tui Trust, a non-profit organisation that provides assistance to children and also supports environmental, cultural and educational initiatives. Piki’s background is also in marketing and administration.

MICHELLE PAEKAU

(Ngāti Māhanga, Waikato) (Diploma Māori Counselling, Wintec)

Michelle has recently worked with Family Works Northern supporting families to identify concerns affecting the family, assisting the family with goal setting and achievement. Michelle also co-facilitated the Incredible Years Parenting Programme.   Michelle also has experience as a student counsellor for Whai Marama Youth Connex and facilitator with Anglican Action.

Michelle brings both her counselling and communication skills to the fieldworker role for the Engaing Priority Families Initiative and is enthusiastic about promoting the opportunities to encourage and support whānau to embrace the benefits of ECE for their tamariki. Michelle brings both her counselling and communication skills to the fieldworker role for the Engaging Priority Families Initiative and is enthusiastic about promoting the opportunities to encourage and support whānau to embrace the benefits of ECE for their tamariki.

Sally Crown

(Ngāti Rereahu, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Te Kowhera)

Sally's field of expertise is in marketing and business development. She is also an experienced trainer and has undertaken education programme development. Sally currently manages Kōwhai's Bachelor of Iwi Environmental Management. Sally has served on a range of community groups, committees and boards relating to youth development, event management and professional development.

ainsley nysschen

(Bachelor of Arts, Waikato, NZIM Diploma in Management)

Ainsley has 13 years experience in accounts and office management, with a focus on organisation. She is highly trained in financial control and administration work. Her background in is literature, particularly proofing and editing publications. Ainsley has travelled extensively and worked in a variety of countries and cultures.