Kōrero | About
Our Values
Drawing on the lived experience our team of kaimahi, at Te Hono we are innovative and collaborative in how we adapt and respond to challenges. Our responses are guided by our values:
-
Hononga | Connection
A place where you can find your people and just be, connected with TeReo and Te Ao Māori
-
Ako | Learning
Learning opportunities for people of all ages, promoting a love of learning
-
Whakatipu | Growth
Help whānau thrive and become their best selves.
-
Whakamana | Empowerment
Strengths are recognised, built on, and validated, uplifting whānau to have confidence in themselves
-
Manaakitanga | Caring
Respect, generosity, compassion, and empathy for ourselves and others
Our Team
-
Davida Simpson
Kaiwhakahaere
-
Stephaine Stephens
Youth Pathways Advisor Kawatiri
-
Dani Tainui-Simon
Kaimahi Mokopuna Ora
-
Hayley Smith
Kaimahi Kura
-
Sarah Heney
Finance Administrator
-
Nikita Te Whata
Kaimahi Mokopuna Ora
-
Jerry Pu
Te Wero Challenge Programme Facilitator
-
Jenny Keogan
Youth Pathways Service Lead
-
Daniel Martini
Youth Pathways Advisor
-
Mikayla Tumahai
Whānau Liaison
-
Jools Campbell
Youth Pathways Advisor
-
Jack Bolton
Te Wero Programme Apprentice
-
Lisa Bell
Youth Pathways Advisor
-
Tina Tainui
Hauora Kaimahi
Our background
Te Hono o Nga Waka was established in 2021 by Davida Simpson and Whare Iraia in Hokitika, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast. Professionally trained as a nurse, Davida had been working for WestREAP, a local charity in the region, providing social support to new mothers and their babies under a government-funded contract.
In the course of her mahi, Davida came to recognise the overwhelming demand for various forms of social support from other groups in the community, in particular Māori who felt comfortable reaching out to her as a wāhine Māori. With no specific government funding available to support these groups, Davida came to spend more and more of her time volunteering in support of those who needed it most, realising that the lack of funded social support for Māori in particular was an ongoing issue in her rohe.
In 2021, the government response to COVID19 provided an opportunity for Davida to obtain an initial government contract under Te Hono o Nga Waka. The effective delivery of social support to Māori in Te Tai o Poutini under this contract provided Te Hono o Nga Waka with the credibility required to secure a number of subsequent government contracts to deliver social support to a demographic that is traditionally hard to reach. Davida’s personal approach showed that whānau in need respond best to locals who they trust and who understand the specific challenges they face.
Now well established, Te Hono actively pursues its purpose to address the needs of, and create positive outcomes for, Māori in Te Tai o Poutini through a focus on Māori-designed and led social, health and educational services.
