Our People - Our Voices
He rangi tā Matawhāiti, he rangi tā Matawhānui.
The person with narrow vision sees a narrow horizon,
the person with wide vision sees a wide horizon.
Our Tai Tokerau Trades Training team is experienced in working across the various sectors of vocational
education at grass roots and management levels, within Private Training Establishments (PTE), Industry
Training Organisations (ITOs), NorthTec and across the trades and other diverse industries.
Ki te kahore he whakakitenga ka ngaro te iwi.
Without foresight or vision the people will be lost.
Meet Our Directors Team
Email: maea@4ts.nz
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Maea Pivac
People Weavers Raranga Tangata Ltd
Ngāpuhi; Ngāti Hine; Ngāti Wai; Ngāti Whātua
With considerable experience in the vocational education arena, Maea has worked across the PTE, ITO, ITP industry in senior leadership and middle management positions.
Maea’s first role in a vocational education organisation was at a large Melbourne Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) with several campuses across Melbourne in a HR role. However, for the last 28 years Maea has been based in her hometown of Whangarei working in a mix of vocational education, community based, government, corporate in senior leadership roles, grassroots, advisory, project management and training roles.
Maea currently sits on the Hanga-Aro-Rau workforce development council, the Workforce Development Council serving the engineering, manufacturing and logistics industries. Maea feels it is a privilege to sit as a council member on such a dynamic future focussed organisation serving industries and the communities within these industries.
Maea is working on a number of other projects within different teams, one key project being the development of an App aimed at industry which is due to be rolled out in late 2023.
Maea Puriri-Pivac
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Email: manaakitia@4ts.nz
DIRECTOR
Manaakitia Puriri-Pivac
Ko Ngā Puhi, ko Ngāti Whātua, Ko Ngāti Wai ngā Iwi.
Ko Tāmaki-Makaurau te kainga ināianei
Ko Whangarei-te-rerenga-parāoa te kainga tūturu.
Ko Manaakitia Puriri-Pivac te ingoa.
With a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit, operational expertise, and a
commitment to customer excellence, Manaakitia has established a remarkable track record across the critical industries landscape of New Zealand over the last decade. Currently serving as the General Manager of SHAPE, a service provider of integrated energy and industrial IoT solutions to mission critical infrastructure, Manaakitia brings extensive experience in executive management, business growth strategies, and successful mergers and acquisitions. Under his leadership, his team continues to evolve into a thriving enterprise with a robust presence across New Zealand within the prime and backup power generation market providing mission critical services to some of New Zealand’s most critical infrastructure.
In addition to his career in the critical infrastructure industry, Manaakitia has
demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. He has invested in expanding expertise through various avenues, ensuring he stays abreast of industry trends and best practices. This dedication to lifelong learning underscores Manaakitia's proactive approach to personal and professional growth, enhancing his ability to navigate complex business challenges with confidence and adaptability.
As a leader with a deep understanding of critical industries and vocational
pathways, Manaakitia is poised to make significant contributions to the
advancement of industry-focussed training initiatives in New Zealand. With a
unique blend of industry-specific knowledge and executive leadership
experience, Manaakitia brings invaluable insights to the boardroom, ensuring
that educational initiatives are not only relevant but also strategically
aligned with the evolving needs of the workforce.
Manaakitia Puriri-Pivac
DIRECTOR
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Email: hinemoa@4ts.nz
DIRECTOR
Hinemoa Puriri-Komarnicki
Ngāpuhi; Ngāti Hine; Ngāti Wai; Ngāti Whātua
Hinemoa lives by the creed that the more you do in
work and life, the more you can do in work and life. This perfectly describes
Hinemoa who comes to this role with an accumulation of experience gained across a number of widely disparate industries, disciplines and roles.
Hinemoa's earliest professional background started in a planning
and research role with the Tai Tokerau District Maori Council following her
completion of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Auckland in 1982, after which followed the acquisition of a Master’s of Industrial Relations (MIR) in 1988 from the University of Western Australia. Armed with these degrees and the experience she built Hinemoa spent time as the Assistant General Secretary, West Australian Police Union in Perth before then relocating to the eastern border of Australia and settling into the position of Superintendent Industrial Relations, BHP Petroleum (Australia Operations).
With the arrival of her first child and wanting to reduce the level of interstate travel across Australia she was doing, Hinemoa transferred from Operations across to Explorations within BHP Petroleum and took up the role of Joint Venture Negotiator/Co-ordinator.
The arrival of a second child led Hinemoa and her husband Gene to purchase
and operate a franchised business. Under her management, the business was a finalist in the State Franchising Business Awards in 1997; this led to Hinemoa being appointed, as a franchisee representative to the inaugural Franchising Policy Council of Australia tasked to draft the Code of Conduct for the Australian Franchising Industry.
Ever exploring the opportunities for change and personal and career development, Hinemoa ‘day traded’ for several years with options, futures and shares, completed a Bachelor of Nursing, specialised in mental health with a Postgraduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing Practice (Mental
Health), University of Melbourne, acquired training in assessment and education qualifications, completed a Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution and gained accreditation as a mediator in Australia. At various times Hinemoa has practised within all these fields, at time overlapping in her endeavours and her commissions. She still does.
Hinemoa attributes her success and her ability to flex across industries and careers to her confidence in embracing change and challenge underpinned by an ability to think critically. For young professionals, she identifies the primary skill one should endeavour to develop is the skill of critical thinking.
Hinemoa Puriri-Komarnicki
DIRECTOR
Meet Our Corporate Services Team / Projects Team
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Maea Pivac
Maea Pivac
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Email: roimata@4ts.nz
MANAGER, PROJECTS & STRATEGY
(CURRENTLY ON PARENTAL LEAVE)
Romaita Haika
Te Uri o Hikihiki; Ngāti Wai; Ngāpuhi
With a keen sense of community and improving life chances, Roimata was the initial driving force behind our holistic Work Ready programme that promises
participants what they really want, be it employment or a planned career path beginning with vocational education.
The unique Whakaahu Whakamua programme puts ākonga needs first, beyond credits and course completion.
Also, a training and careers expert, Roimata put together our initial Education to Employment Brokerage team and developed the innovative approach we adopted to lead our successful team to connect to industry or higher education options within the high schools /kura across Te Tai Tokerau.
Roimata’s current focus is supporting the development of strategic projects andbusiness development initiatives in the management team.
Roimata Haika
MANAGER, PROJECTS & STRATEGY
Email: teyana.turner@4ts.nz
CORPORATE SERVICES TEAM LEAD
Teyana Turner
Ko Teyana Turner toku ingoa,
My background is in administration, retail, business management and Xero software. I love being a part of a whānau orientated organisation that supports personal and professional growth.
My husband and I have three beautiful children, they are why we keep moving forward and they are by far my greatest achievement in life.
I am committed to supporting our community and working with the team at Tai Tokerau Trades Training to make a positive changes.
Teyana Turner
CUSTOMER SERVICES LEAD
Email: leanne@4ts.nz
PROJECTS COORDINATOR - SHORT COURSE / FACILITATOR
Leanne Attwood
Kia ora, my name is Leanne Attwood and I come from a
background with extensive experience in education delivery and student
support.
I was born in Australia and spent most of my time growing up between Perth WA and Norton in the UK. I moved to New Zealand back in 2014 with my
husband and 3 children with a vision of growing our family on a lifestyle block surrounded by extended family, friends, animals, and of course some good fishing….
In my current role as Project Coordinator/Short Course Facilitator my aim is to work with industry to identify skill gap trends and provide purpose fit short course delivery to meet these specific needs. Supporting local businesses and their teams is important to me and I look forward to this new challenge.
Leanne Attwood
PROJECTS COORDINATOR SHORT COURSE / FACILITATOR
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Natasha@4ts.nz
CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT
Natasha Tunui
Ko Natasha Tunui née Reihana ahau
I was born and raised in Manurewa, Auckland. I grew up with 3 siblings, a
hardworking, strong single mum and a whole lot of life experiences as we all
do! This shaped who I am today. I really value qualities such as respect and
loyalty.
My husband and I have 3 beautiful children who at times drive me up the
wall, but at the end of the day, we have a loving family unit that I believe is
a reflection of our God.
I am privileged to be able to work here as a Customer Service Support for
Tai Tokerau Trades Training amongst a strong team of dedicated people making a difference in our community.
My Reihana side comes from Whirinaki, South of the Hokianga. The name
Whirinaki means “to lean against a support”, which at times we all need to and we can relate to this here at Tai Tokerau Trades Training.
Natasha Tunui
Customer Service Support
Meet our Education to Employment Brokerage (EEB) Team
Our Tai Tokerau Trades Training team is experienced in working across the various sectors of vocational education at grass roots and management levels, within Private Training Establishments (PTE), Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), NorthTec and across the trades and other diverse industries.
Our EEB team members have worked across schools in supporting them with Gateway, Star and other programmes.
Email: kealii@4ts.nz
VOCATIONAL COORDINATOR
Keali'i Leuluai
Kia ora,
My name is Keali’i Leuluai,
I was born in Auckland but raised in Whangaruru. I grew up in the north and have my feet planted firmly in its ground.
It was only recently I discovered my passion, and that is to help young people recognise and achieve their goals in whatever field it may be. I believe there are many ways to succeed in life and this mahi will allow me to open those doors for our young people and help them along their journey.
I am grateful for this opportunity to be involved in Te Tai Tokerau Trades and am excited to get out into the community and mahi
Keali'i Leuluai
VOCATIONAL COORDINATOR
Email: regan@4ts.nz
VOCATIONAL COORDINATOR
Regan Haika
Kia Ora, my name is Regan.
Born and raised in Whāngārei, but I am from Mokau, Whangaruru on my father’s side and Tokatoka, Ruawai on my mother’s.
I have a strong love for the three places I call home. I have a passion for helping my community in particular youth. I am so grateful to have found employment that allows me to feed this passion!!
I am so excited to be a part of this extraordinary team and can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes me but more importantly our community here in te Tai Tokerau!”
Regan Haika
VOCATIONAL COORDINATOR
Whakaahu Whakamua Team
Email: rhondell@4ts.nz
WHANGĀREI WORK PLACEMENT NAVIGATOR
Rhondell Richards
I te taha o toku papa, Ko Putahi te maunga, ko Wairoro te
awa, ko mataatua te waka, ko Kohewata te marae, ko Te Uri o Hua te hapu
I te taha o toku mama, Ko Huruiki te Maunga, Ko Whakapara te
awa, Ko Ngatokimatawharua te waka, Ko Whakapara te Marae, Ko Ngati Hau te Hapu, Ko Nga Puhi te Iwi, tihei mauri ora!
Ko Rhondell Toku ingoa
My background is in Administration and Finance, most recently spent 2 years in work brokerage with a passion to procure employment for our whanau. Having knowledge of the local labour market and maintaining strong relationships within industry has given me good ground to assist our whanau into employment.
Rhondell Richards
Engagement & Transition Navigator
Email: Tina@4ts.nz
Email: Tina@4ts.nz
KAIWHAKATERE
Tina Bradley
Tina Bradley hails from the north but is a familiar face in the Whangarei community. Tina’s background is not just a social worker; she's a catalyst for positive change in whanau’s lives. Having collaborated with various community agencies in Whangarei, Tina brings a rich range of knowledge and people skills to her role within Tai Tokerau Trades Training. Her passion revolves around creating meaningful goals and employment opportunities for her community. Tina emphasizes the importance of Hauora ( Te Whare Tapa Wha) when supporting our people. For Tina, it's not just a job; it's about building connections (Whanaungatanga) and fostering all round success.
KAIWHAKATERE
Tina Bradley
Tina Bradley hails from the north but is a familiar face in the Whangarei community. Tina’s background is not just a social worker; she's a catalyst for positive change in whanau’s lives. Having collaborated with various community agencies in Whangarei, Tina brings a rich range of knowledge and people skills to her role within Tai Tokerau Trades Training. Her passion revolves around creating meaningful goals and employment opportunities for her community. Tina emphasizes the importance of Hauora ( Te Whare Tapa Wha) when supporting our people. For Tina, it's not just a job; it's about building connections (Whanaungatanga) and fostering all round success.
Tina Bradley
KAIWHAKATERE
Email: Shelly@4ts.nz
MID NORTH PROGRAMME FACILITATOR
Shelly Pomare
Ko Shelly Pomare ahau
My foundations started here in Tai Tokerau. Mum hailing from Kaikohekohe and Dad from Horeke/Utakura. I have returned home after 3 decades and more living away and it was the best decision so far. Being part of an organization where I can make a difference, and where I can support my people was also a top priority. Having worked for reputable companies such as Menzies Aviation, St Johns Head Office, Glaxo Smith Kline, Communio Ltd and Te Hau Ora O Ngapuhi. I am extremely excited to be part of the team at Tai Tokerau Trades Training. The wait has been worth it. Tai Tokerau the best place in the world to be.
Email: Shelly@4ts.nz
MID NORTH WORK PLACEMENT NAVIGATOR
Shelly Pomare
Ko Shelly Pomare ahau
My foundations started here in Tai Tokerau. Mum hailing from Kaikohekohe and Dad from Horeke/Utakura. I have returned home after 3 decades and more living away and it was the best decision so far. Being part of an organization where I can make a difference, and where I can support my people was also a top priority. Having worked for reputable companies such as Menzies Aviation, St Johns Head Office, Glaxo Smith Kline, Communio Ltd and Te Hau Ora O Ngapuhi. I am extremely excited to be part of the team at Tai Tokerau Trades Training. The wait has been worth it. Tai Tokerau the best place in the world to be.
Shelly Pomare
MID NORTH WORK PLACEMENT NAVIGATOR