Our People
We at Tuhono believe in the power of support through lived experience, grounded in Maori culture, expressed with compassion and understanding.
Nga Hoa Haere
On the front line of Tuhono are our volunteer Hoa Haere. Hoa Haere are relatable, utilising their lived experience and able to share their experience with another. Supporting Whaiora as peers, the relationships are mutual and without judgement. Time willingly given freely bolsters the authenticity and meaningfulness of each encounter.
Goverance
The Tuhono Aotearoa Trust Board is comprised purposefully to have a peer-led focus, with emphasis on Māori and Pasifika views being represented. All of our board members have a range of experience in supporting the wellness of Tangata Whaiora, from peer support to the delivery of support in a managerial context and clinical settings. Together, the board operates in consensus to deliver a service that above all values the wellbeing of our Hoa Haere and the Tangata Whaiora we aim to serve.
Kaumatua
Charles
As kaumatua of the Board, Charles brings a rich knowledge of matuaranga Māori and provides spiritual guidance to the Board. His vast experience developed over the years as he has served in a number of support capacities, more presently in delivering support to those in the community and in the men’s prisons in enhancing and restoring whanaungatanga through the principles of pono, tika, and aroha.
John
Chair
John brings leadership to the Board, ensuring that the service remains grounded in a peer approach. From his work in the field, John is able to bring personal experience of supporting people through challenging times to ensure that acknowledgement of the nuances of these interactions are reflected by Tuhono.
Anna
Secretary
Anna’s corporate experience enhances the Board’s governance capability. Guided by a commitment to holistic wellbeing, she provides thoughtful, long-term strategic insight to support the Board’s direction.
Jesse
Jesse brings to the Board his experience of managing engagement around self-harm challenges via the internet and social media. His knowledge around handling crisis through online engagement and guiding and facilitating online support makes him an valuable asset to the team.
Treasurer
Pooja
Pooja’s governance experience, particularly in planning and project management for digital and IT products, positions her to offer informed strategic advice to the Board on addressing the unique challenges of delivering on our objectives in the digital space.
Ruku
Ruku has a background in counseling, complemented by her qualifications as a practitioner in mātauranga Māori. She brings a spiritually grounded and uplifting approach to her work with whaiora, further strengthened by her frontline experience in suicide prevention services. This combination enables her to deeply understand the nuances of supporting individuals in crisis and the importance of delivering care in ways that are both responsive and effective.