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
Director, People Weavers Raranga Tangata Ltd
Managing Director, Tai Tokerau Trades Training Ltd
Director, Elevate Training – Aotearoa Ltd
Director, Wāhine Moana Tech-I Ltd
Iwi Affiliations: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti
Whātua
Maea Puriri-Pivac is a leader deeply rooted in her Whangarei community. Since returning from Melbourne in 1994, Maea has focused on driving meaningful change across Te Tai Tokerau through her work in foundational and vocational education. She has held senior leadership, advisory, and project management roles within Iwi/Hapū communities, government, and corporate sectors, always with an unassuming commitment to service. Her whānau is her top priority.
As Managing Director of Tai Tokerau Trades Training Ltd, Maea has successfully overseen significant government contracts, leading her team with a focus on innovation, achieving tangible results, and building trust by supporting and developing her leadership team. Maea is enormously proud of the growth she has supported in the company leadership. Her work across multiple sectors of vocational education led to her appointment to the Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council from 2021 to 2023, where she contributed to creating workforce strategies that genuinely serve diverse communities and industries. This is a testament to her many years of dedication to grassroots industry training initiatives in Tai Tokerau and
her support for businesses in apprentice development.
Maea’s leadership is marked by a balance of personal growth, commitment to whānau and her work teams, and a sincere care for fairness. She continuously expands her knowledge while managing multiple projects. Beyond her professional roles, Maea is also a certified practitioner of Access Bars®, integrating this wellness tool into her leadership to promote workplace well-being and support her team’s productivity.
Under Maea’s guidance, the companies she leads—including People Weavers Raranga Tangata Ltd, Tai Tokerau Trades Training Ltd, and Elevate Training – Aotearoa Ltd—have achieved great results in fostering innovation, industry engagement, and community involvement.
To learn more about how Maea and her teams are supporting heart-centred consultancy and organisational capability development, please reach out.
Email: maea@4ts.nz
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/CONSULTANT/ADVISOR
DIRECTOR
Ani Pitman
(Patuharakeke, Te Parawhau, Ngati Wairere, Ngati Koura, Ngati Whawhaakia nga hapu, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua, Ngatiwai, Waikato Tainui, County Antrim).
Ko Manaia te maunga Ko Whangarei Terenga Paraoa te moana, Ko Takahiwai, ko Otaika nga whenua Ko Takahiwai te marae tuturu moku Ko Patuharakeke te
hapu.
Ani offers her services as an independent contractor, analyst, adviser, and advocate for individuals, Iwi/hapu collectives and community organisations, as well as central and local government. Her advocacy includes assisting in fundamental human rights and freedoms. Holding a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University of Wellington, Ani was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2005. She is now based back in Whangarei where she was born and raised, having worked between Whangarei, Wellington and Tamaki/Auckland.
Ani started her career as a science technical assistant for an entomologist in the agriculture and horticultural industry, moving into coaching and supervising horticultural trainees to develop their skills in growing native plants. Ani has an extensive professional background in social science research (quantitative and qualitative), health management, policy and law, service development and delivery, government relations, Treaty settlements, cultural responsiveness/restoration and Iwi/hapu and marae development. She brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of Mātauranga and Tikanga Māori, particularly demonstrating strong leadership while working tirelessly with, and for her own Iwi/hapū (and others). Her 30 years in central and local government has allowed her to identify and improve cultural outcomes.
Ani has provided technical evidence, funding and claimant strategies for court proceedings, when working with Employment Relations Authority, Environment Court, High Court and Waitangi Tribunal matters. She has served on the Environmental Legal Assistance Panel (Ministry for the Environment 2018-2024) and Public Health Bill External Reference Group (Ministry of Health 2004-2006) and also on community, marae, hapu and large NGO boards. She was proud to represent her Patuharakeke Hapū Board, as a Trustee, and to have been their spokesperson on Treaty, environmental, conservation, policy, law reform, legal and human rights issues from 2010-2020.
Having honed her skills and experience over many years working both voluntarily and professionally, but always intensively, Ani believes in learning as a lifelong adventure that leads to interesting and diverse experiences.
Ani Pitman
DIRECTOR
Meet Our Corporate Services Team / Projects Team
DIRECTOR/CONSULTANT
Maea Pivac
Director, People Weavers Raranga Tangata Ltd
Managing Director, Tai Tokerau Trades Training Ltd
Director, Elevate Training – Aotearoa Ltd
Director, Wāhine Moana Tech-I Ltd
Iwi Affiliations: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti
Whātua
Maea Puriri-Pivac is a leader deeply rooted in her Whangarei community. Since returning from Melbourne in 1994, Maea has focused on driving meaningful change across Te Tai Tokerau through her work in foundational and vocational education. She has held senior leadership, advisory, and project management roles within Iwi/Hapū communities, government, and corporate sectors, always with an unassuming commitment to service. Her whānau is her top priority.
As Managing Director of Tai Tokerau Trades Training Ltd, Maea has successfully overseen significant government contracts, leading her team with a focus on innovation, achieving tangible results, and building trust by supporting and developing her leadership team. Maea is enormously proud of the growth she has supported in the company leadership. Her work across multiple sectors of vocational education led to her appointment to the Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council from 2021 to 2023, where she contributed to creating workforce strategies that genuinely serve diverse communities and industries. This is a testament to her many years of dedication to grassroots industry training initiatives in Tai Tokerau and
her support for businesses in apprentice development.
Maea’s leadership is marked by a balance of personal growth, commitment to whānau and her work teams, and a sincere care for fairness. She continuously expands her knowledge while managing multiple projects. Beyond her professional roles, Maea is also a certified practitioner of Access Bars®, integrating this wellness tool into her leadership to promote workplace well-being and support her team’s productivity.
Under Maea’s guidance, the companies she leads—including People Weavers Raranga Tangata Ltd, Tai Tokerau Trades Training Ltd, and Elevate Training – Aotearoa Ltd—have achieved great results in fostering innovation, industry engagement, and community involvement.
To learn more about how Maea and her teams are supporting heart-centred consultancy and organisational capability development, please reach out.
Email: maea@people-weavers.nz
Maea Pivac
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Email: roimata@4ts.nz
MANAGER, PROJECTS & STRATEGY
Roimata Haika
Unlocking Potential with Roimata: Your Pathway to Success
Te Uri o Hikihiki; Ngāti Wai; Ngāpuhi
At the heart of Roimata’s kaupapa (mission) is a deep commitment to community and enhancing life opportunities. Roimata, the creator behind a successful holistic Work Ready programme, is passionate about delivering what truly matters to ākonga (students)—whether it's securing employment or mapping out a rewarding career pathway through vocational education.
The unique programme prioritises the needs of ākonga, going beyond just credits and course completions. It is through this attitude Roimata has crafted a suite of Employability workshops that are simple, engaging, and impactful, ensuring each participant grasps the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
With extensive experience in the foundational career pathways and vocational education sectors, Roimata has led significant projects, creating, and managing an innovative Education to Employment Brokerage team. Her team has successfully bridged the gap between industry, higher education, and high schools/kura across Te Tai Tokerau, providing tailored solutions that meet the specific training needs of businesses.
Roimata excels in building strong connections with businesses, listening intently to their training needs, and delivering bespoke solutions that lead to success. Currently, she is focused on driving strategic projects and business development initiatives here at Tai Tokerau Trades Training, while also advising and supporting clients at our sister company People Weavers Raranga Tangata Ltd.
Let Roimata guide you on your journey to success—whether you’re an ākonga, an educator, or a business, her expertise will help you achieve your goals.
Roimata Haika
MANAGER, PROJECTS & STRATEGY
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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 Coordinator
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
Administrative Support (Remote)
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
Employment 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: Tania.Lewis@4ts.nz
Work Ready Coach - Whangārei
Tania Lewis
Ko Tania Lewis toku ingoa
Ngapuhi me Ngatiwhatua
Born in Mangakino, because my dad was working there at the time, we moved back home when I was around two, so I am a Whangarei girl through and through.
In my mahi here, I am passionate about helping people find their ‘why’ and discover the ‘gold’ I see in them. I believe we are all here on this earth for a reason, and we all have something the world needs.
As a solo mum raising my sons in the 90’s, I can relate to being on a Benefit and all that entails, and it is part of what has made me who I am today. I have worked in retail, was a drama teacher, and have been here at TTTT for nearly 4 years.
I think we are really blessed to live in Aotearoa, and aside from being a mum, I have a one-eyed cat called Billy, I am a lover of nature, enjoy being creative and my whanau and faith are important to me.
Tania Lewis
Work Ready Coach - Whangārei