Staff | Kaimahi

Dr Kat Nguyen

Kaiwhakahaere Matua
Manager

Kat (she/her) holds a PhD in Development Studies from Massey University and brings extensive experience in the development sector, including managing community development programmes. 

She spent 14 years as a Senior Programme Manager with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Vietnam. In New Zealand, Kat has experience as a Programme Manager for the Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Studies Network, coordinating knowledge and information sharing among researchers, development practitioners, and policymakers in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific. She has worked as a lecturer at IPU and as a tutor at Massey University.

Kat enjoys collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and looks forward to making a positive impact on our community initiatives.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 06 222 3063

Justin Ngai

Kairuruku Kaupapa
Programme Coordinator

Justin (he/him) has been volunteering in the community arts sector since 2017, where he gained experience in governance, event coordination, and public speaking. He has been on the boards of the Creative Communities Scheme (Palmerston North), Manawatū People's Radio, and The Comedy Hub.

Justin has worked with the Manawatū Multicultural Council and used to volunteer as an English tutor in English Language Partners. He graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Master of Arts (Philosophy) in 2014.

Justin oversees our capability and capacity building programmes, and with his range of different experiences, aims to help the sector with whatever’s in his toolbox.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 06 354 3502

Ebony Simons

Kaiwhakahaere
Customer & Administration Officer

Ebony (she/her) has recently graduated from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Development Studies.

Prior to studying, she volunteered both in New Zealand and overseas in India and Vanuatu with a Christian organization called YWAM.

In the foreseeable future, she intends to undertake a Masters in International Development through Massey University to further support her desire to provide assistance to individuals and organisations within the community sector.

Ebony is based at the front desk of Hancock Community House assisting tenant organisations and visitors and managing the use of meeting rooms. Ebony also looks after the administration and accounts for Te Pū Harakeke.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 06 354 3809

Board | Poari

The Board of Te Pū Harakeke is responsible for the governance of the organisation and is elected by our Member Groups, and consists of individuals with experience across the community sector in the Manawatū.

2024-25 Board Members:
Left to right: Kate Aplin, Skye Shaddix, Cat Rikihana, Aaron Oliver, Cam Jenkins, Kim Penny (Chair). Absent: Jon Spencer.