KATIKATI COMMUNITY - Key Persons
Darinee is a community Social Worker who is passionate about youth and excited to be able to help the young people in our community with funded youth mentoring/counselling (criteria apply).
She works therapeutically and uses creative tools such as art to build rapport. Her strengths lie in working with youth who struggle with anxiety, depression, poor school attendance, anger issues, and trauma. She is hope based and builds on people's strengths. Darinee loves the outdoors and going to the beach.
Donna possesses a broad spectrum of expertise, honed over 24 years, primarily in the field of IT. A longstanding member of the Katikati community, Donna actively participates in various local organisations and groups, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to enhancing services within Katikati and its environs. She takes proactive steps as a community advocate, pinpointing areas requiring attention and championing support for the most marginalised individuals among us.
My husband, two girls and I had planned our move to Katikati when Covid-19 lockdown happened. Once the levels lifted, we made the journey here from Te Kuiti. We had spent 7 years enjoying the country life but I missed the ocean. We loved being part of the community there and we arrived fully intending to do the same here. We were enticed to this special part of New Zealand by very good friends of ours and we are so grateful to be surrounded by support.
Job Titles:
- Team Leader Community Services
Jan is our organisational super star who manages the customer service team at Beach Road.
Jemma is from Oamaru and has resided in the Bay for over 20 years. She is a mother of 7 amazing tamariki, all local here in Katikati.
Jemma has a background in Social Work and in Complex Healthcare. She is extremely passionate about walking alongside our rangatahi. Encouraging them to believe in themselves, break through any barriers to achieve their goals, hopes and dreams. Jemma is looking forward to working alongside the rest of our incredible team at Poutama.
I was born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in the Waikato and attended Te Miro Primary and St Paul's Collegiate Hamilton. I have a Diploma of Agriculture from Lincoln and a Diploma of Business Management from Massey. I worked in PNG for two years as an Agricultural Officer and travelled extensively for two years.
Rachel will be assisting families in the Katikati area that have barriers for their children, to attend school regularly and link families with external agencies, to help whanau to access the support they need.
Rachel will be working out of Katikati College and Primary School.
Robyn is the well known face at the front desk and is one of our assessors for the total mobility scheme.
Rochelle has a Bachelor of Teaching through Waikato University and has worked with children for 18 years.
Sally is our invaluable behind-the-scenes administrator, who is responsible for overseeing accounting, funding applications, HR, and so much more.
Sally has a keen interest in horses, and loves to help out at the local Pony Club.
Shaun is passionate about working with rangatahi, in guiding them through their pathway to employment.
Suzzane is so pleased to be able to help people in our community with funded counselling (criteria apply). Many people are finding benefit from talking to someone confidentially and learning ways to help them manage.
Tim helps to facilitate our rangatahi's transition into further study, work placements and apprenticeships, while continuing to offer regular pastoral support.
Whether you need information, assistance, or guidance, Tracey is ready to provide you with the help you need.
Over the last year, I have enjoyed working with the team at The Community Centre to document their strategic plan and create a business plan covering the period 2021 and 2022 and work on updating the policies and procedures of the Centre. I have been heavily involved in the preparation for the move to a charitable Trust. I feel honoured to be the Chair of the Board and look forward to working with the newly elected Board in the coming months.
It is a pleasure to use my business experience to support the Centre. I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, and for the last 20 years of my pharmaceutical career I held several senior positions in a number of countries. I developed strong analytical and strategic thinking competencies throughout my career as I started in market research before moving on to business leadership. I also had the privilege to serve on committees of several industry groups.
Since leaving full time employment in 2015, I have worked in voluntary positions, spent time on my hobbies and carried out some consultancy. I became a trustee of COATS (Crowthorne Old Age to Teen Society) a charity which provides a day centre for senior citizens in and around the village of Crowthorne, Berkshire, UK. I also served on the Independent Monitoring Panel of The Chartered Banker Professional Standards Board. I am married to a New Zealander and we live in Bethlehem, Tauranga. Moving to New Zealand in 2019 has allowed me to enjoy spending time on my hobbies of pottery, art and reading and of course supporting the Community Centre.