Family SupportWe can see you here or visit you in your home to offer support in parenting, family violence, advocacy, self-confidence, and other ways of developing your strengths. We also give support in dealing with Government Agencies.
About the Kainga Aroha Team
Our team
Our team is made up of permanent staff, and volunteers who are happy to welcome you, lend a sympathetic ear, and help you in any way we can. We are from many different backgrounds.
9am - 5pm
Monday – Thursday
9am - 4pm
Friday
Our answerphone will take your call after hours or if both our lines are busy.
About the Kainga Aroha Team
Whānau/Family Support worker. Social worker
Kaumatua, grandfather, husband, father, uncle, brother......Kaitiaki
I am Maori
Descendant of Ngati Rereahu and Ngati Tuwharetoa
Born and raised in Taumarunui before relocating to Wellington in 1978.
Left College in 1981 with University Entrance and Higher School Certificate.
9 years working in various Government Department Head Offices in Wellington.
Left Wellington 1988, as a solo father, raising my daughter for the next 16 years in Waikato.
Achieved Bachelors in Bi-cultural Social Work Practice at Te Wananga O Aotearoa (2008).
Qualified and Registered Social Worker (2010).
12 years Care and Protection Social Worker at Child, Youth and Family.
8 years Manager at Kainga Aroha Community House.
20 years Marae, Education and Maori Land Trusts Trustee experience.
30 years coaching children, teenagers and adults in various sports and activities.
Kaumatua, grandfather, husband, father, uncle, brother......Kaitiaki.
"Unconditional regard towards the safety and wellbeing of others.....especially children"
Family Harm Worker/Supervised Contact Coordinator
Family Violence Intervention and Advocacy
Supervised Contact Coordinator
Administration
Member of Aotearoa NZ Association of Supervised Contact Services (ANZASCS)
I have been at Kainga Aroha Community House since 2007. I am passionate about keeping families safe, and have been working in the family harm sector for over 18 years providing crisis intervention support and advocacy, support with parenting orders and protection orders applications.
As the Supervised Contact Coordinator, I work a in collaboration with Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Justice, Lawyers and individuals to ensure that a safe and family focused environment is provided during visits.
Finance Manager/Office Administrator
Bachelor of Counselling
I joined the Community House in January 2009, in the last year of completing my Bachelor of Counselling. In 2012, while Counselling at Kainga Aroha, I picked up the Finance Manager role and continued filling both positions.
As the financial administration grew, I relinquished my counselling in 2025 after 16 awesome years in the position, to concentrate on the Finance Managers role.
Liaising with the Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, other funders and our Finance Committee, I manage MSD & OT contracts, finances and staff reporting.
I am passionate about and committed to organising and managing financial operations, processes and records and administration responsibilities.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, chilling with a cuppa, watching home renovation shows, reading, gardening and photography amongst other interests.
Whanau Resilience Kaimahi
Triple P parenting program accredited
Hi, I’m the Whanau Resilience Kaimahi.
In a nutshell my job is about helping people to prevent domestic violence and to recover from the trauma and impact associated with living this life.
Through my mahi we provide a wrap around service that links people with the tools, services or assistance you need for as long as you need them. This is called Whare Te kotahitanga.
I am passionate about supporting people to live the life they want rather than the one they were dealt.
I believe we need to get more assistance to address the layers of trauma that people face as this is largely the root cause of domestic violence. These start right back with historical and intergenerational trauma, then childhood trauma and are generally followed by ongoing trauma through the teenage and adult years.
I previously worked in advertising and promotions. I have spent the last ten years being a leader at the Kainga Aroha Holiday Camp and prior to this role I was the Te Awamutu Violence Free Coordinator where I was responsible for running awareness campaigns around domestic violence and helping people connect with those who can help.
Mum to two wonderful children – Jess and Floyd, and partner to Dave who is better known as “Space Dave”.
Tēna koutou katoa
Ko Kaweka te maunga
Ko Mohaka te awa
No Puketitiri, Te Matau a Māui ahau
Ko Pakeha te iwi
Kei Te Awamutu ahau e noho ana
Ko Ange Holt tōku ingoa
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou
Building Financial Capability Mentor
Born in England and after living in various parts of Aotearoa New Zealand we settled in Te Awamutu in 2004. I have a background in hospitality and as a midlife crisis started studying social science. Married to Andy, we have two grown up daughters & assorted fur babies.
I came to the Community House as a volunteer with the Children’s Holiday Program in 2014, and am now a trained Building Financial Capability Mentor.
Quote to live by:
Be Curious – Not Judgmental
Whanau Support Kaimahi/Social Worker
Operation Christmas Hampers Team member
Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work
Currently working as a Whānau Support Kaimahi/Social Worker in the family violence intervention sector, I bring a diverse background and a deep commitment to supporting whānau, particularly our most vulnerable. My journey began in the trades as a brick and block layer (trowel hand/labourer), before transitioning into a role as an Engineer’s Labourer. In 2013, I joined Kāinga Aroha Community House as a volunteer Receptionist and Budgeter.
In 2016, I was offered a paid position under the newly established Building Financial Capability Service, while studying toward a Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Over the years, I’ve contributed to a range of community initiatives, including being an active member of the Operation Christmas Hampers Team. My varied roles at Kāinga Aroha Community House have also given me the opportunity to implement Tūranga — a self-development model I created, focused on building strong foundations through meaningful relationships and enhancing mauri ora (wellbeing) from within.
A heavy hand applies too much pressure, a light hand leaves stones unturned
Whanau Support Kaimahi/Social Worker
Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work
About Michele coming soon
Bachelor of Counselling
Kia ora, I am Marie I live in rural Waikato on a dairy farm alongside my whaanau. I completed my counselling degree in 2024. I am passionate about people I genuinely care about supporting people through their tough times. I get what it is like to go through tough times and sometimes we need a confidential safe space where we are seen heard, and understood.
I believe everybody is unique in their thoughts, feelings and beliefs and versions of what happiness and wellness is. The challenges we face impact on us and our daily lives differently and the way we process and express put thoughts and emotions is different. It can be really tough to name and or to describe how you feel or what’s happening for you inside. I am here to help you in figuring it out and supporting you through this process in a way that fits for you. It is my priority to provide a comfortable safe space free of judgement where you accepted unconditionally for who you are and where your at. All emotions are welcomed and encouraged.
My practice is grounded In Aroha (love compassion and empathy), Manaaki (kindness, care and respect) Tino Rangatiratanga (encouraging self- determination and autonomy) supporting you in exploring the possibilities, choices and tools available you that will help create change for you.
As a Financial Mentor, I support people to build confidence, clarity and positive habits around money by providing guidance, education and practical support that empowers them to make informed decisions for themselves.I draw on Financial Capability Practitioner training through Massey University, Financial Mentor training through FinCap, and a broad range of life experience gained through navigating significant personal and financial challenges while strengthening my own financial capability.I take a thoughtful, practical and strengths-based approach to mentoring. I focus on understanding each person’s unique circumstances and working alongside them to identify achievable steps toward greater financial wellbeing, resilience and independence.
“Ma te Whiri tahi, Ka Whakatutuki ai nga pumanawa a tangata"
Together weaving the realisation of potential.
Family ViolenceA service that provides families and individuals with much needed support and information to help keep you safe. Family harm/violence crisis intervention advocacy and information including support with protection orders and parenting orders.
CounsellingWe work with you to help you work through issues such as relationship/ family issues, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, self-esteem, grief and loss. Ring us for information about the costs of our service, and if money is a problem, we may be able to help.
BudgetingFree, confidential help with your budget. Our trained financial mentor will work with you to teach you how to take effective control of your money and build financial capability. This is a free service.
See our confidentiality policy
During the Christmas school holidays we organise our annual camp.
This is a programme for children aged 7–14 years. It is primarily for children who would not normally have the chance to experience this type of programme for whatever reason, but all are welcome.
Find our more about our Annual Summer camp
Volunteers
From time to time we need more volunteers to help with different aspects of our work. If you have time and skills to offer, please don’t hesitate to come and talk to us.
Come in a talk to us
Our Sponsors
Our funding comes from:
GRANTS
PERSONAL DONATIONS
Donations are tax-deductable
Please Note: Although we are funded by these agencies, we are not employed by them, and we are able to offer an independent, confidential service to our community. We are an incorporated society, with audited annual accounts.
Kainga Aroha provides easy access to information, help, understanding and support.
Give us a call or email us
9am - 5pm
Monday – Thursday
9am - 4pm
Friday