Meet our team

Our Māori and Pacific Career Development and Employability Services team is devoted to helping you discover who you are and where you are headed in your future career path.

We support you to make informed decisions and gain experience in the workplace so you can leave university and walk into a job that fits your career goals.

Māori Career Development and Employability Consultant

‘Whāia e koe te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei’

Kia ora! I am so excited to be working alongside tauira Māori to support and navigate them through their career journey and higher purpose. Just as the whakatauki above translates, 'Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain', I am committed to helping our tauira reach for the highest peaks in their careers, grounded in their cultural values.

We tautoko tauira in their studies and transition into the workforce. With over 5 years’ experience working at Waipapa Taumata Rau, I bring a passion for uplifting our Māori and Pacific communities, encouraging them to strive for excellence and leadership, no matter how steep the climb.

Pacific Career Development and Employability Consultant

Mālо̄ e lelei & Talofa! I’m motivated to support our Pacific students in building their confidence, helping them understand who they are and how they can stand out in the professional world.

Having worked in tertiary education for over 12 years, I’ve gained a comprehensive perspective on a student’s journey and helped navigate their way to success. Inspired by the Samoan proverb ‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua' | 'The pathway to [my] leadership is through service', and by embracing our unique cultural heritage, empowering the next generation to lead with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.

Kaituki Ara Mahi Māori, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa | Career Development and Employability Team Leader, Māori and Pacific

Talofa lava, Mālо̄ e lelei

I have been part of the CDES whanau for the past seven years, my background has been predominantly in recruitment and careers, where I have spent 15 years working in the tertiary sector.  Throughout my time at CDES, I have had the privilege of working alongside many Māori and Pacific students.  I have always been passionate about helping young people realise their potential and bridging the gap to ensure they can fully embrace the opportunities ahead.

In my current role, I have more of a strategic focus, ensuring tauira Māori and Pacific remain at the heart of everything we do. While I no longer work directly with students, I have the privilege of leading an incredible team and supporting them to drive initiatives that enhance our programme and services.

I take a servant leadership approach, believing in purpose-driven teamwork and a shared vision in our service delivery model to equip and inspire our future leaders as they transition from university into the world of work. ‘E vave taunu’u le malaga pe a tatou alo va’a fa’atasi’ – Our journey is stronger when we paddle together.

Visit us: We're located in Room 151, Level 1, Kate Edger Information Commons, 2 Alfred St.

Email us: cdesmaoripacific@auckland.ac.nz