Ko wai mātou

Our people

Our National Governing Body, Executive Team, regional managers, site managers, site administration staff and many amazing tutors support our learners across Aotearoa.

Adult Learners in a classroom
Te Koruru

National Governing Body of Literacy Aotearoa

Te Koruru (the National Governing Body) is responsible for establishing policy and monitoring the effectiveness of the organisation. Te Tumuaki (CEO) is an ex officio member of Te Koruru, and is responsible for the management of the national organisation.

Norm McKenzie

Norm McKenzie

Te Koruru Member
Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Norm McKenzie

Jenny Solomon

Te Kaiwhakahaere Māori
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Norm McKenzie

Tania Anderson

Te Koruru Member

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Norm McKenzie

Emily Vaka'uta

Te Koruru Member
Ngāpuhi

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Norm McKenzie

Don Mann

Kaiwhakahere Tauiwi
Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa and Neiafu, Vava’u, Tonga

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Norm McKenzie
Norm McKenzie
Te Koruru Member
Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Jenny Solomon
Jenny Solomon
Te Kaiwhakahaere Māori

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Jenny Solomon Jenny’s early career focused on corporate learning and development culminating in her managing Westpac Australia’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO). On her return to Aotearoa, she co-owned the highly successful Māori Private Training Establishment – Solomon Group. This kaupapa Māori organisation was fully Government funded to support the South and East Auckland communities and Northland with particular focus on Māori, Pasifika and rangatahi. Solomon Group held long-standing contracts with TEC, MSD and MOE including as the largest provider of the Youth Transition Service and delivering successful Work Placement and Literacy programmes. Since 2018, Jenny has moved into governance and consulting roles. Through these Jenny helps organisations to develop in areas such as people strategies, learning and development, governance, strategy, innovation, and cultural competence. She is passionate about achieving social outcomes and equality in Aotearoa and currently serves as a Trustee on five Boards that focus on these kaupapa. She holds an EMBA with Honours (Massey University).

Tania Anderson
Tania Anderson
Te Koruru Member

Ko Tania Anderson tokū ingoa, ko pākeha ahau. I tipu ake au ki Tauranga Moana. Kei Whanganui-a-tara ahau e noho ana. She works in systems informed participatory design and Developmental Evaluation, with a background in programme and change management. She brings together these diverse skills and approaches to all things social innovation, to work in culturally grounded, trauma informed participatory practices for change in the disability support system, homelessness, mental health distress and addictions, family and sexual violence. She is also lived experience leader within the mental health and addictions sector, engaging her and her whānau’s experiences to support change for social justice and wellbeing outcomes. She believes that compassion, evidence and participatory practice is key to co-creating change and making a real difference with people. Driving to address equity, wellbeing and achieving system change with those who have historically been excluded.

Emily Vaka'uta
Emily Vaka'uta
Te Koruru Member

Ngāpuhi

Emily is the Chief Financial Officer at Springload Ltd, a chartered accountant and holds degrees in both a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration and Bachelor of Tourism. Emily has over 20 years experience in financial services with over 10 years spent in hedge funds leading teams across both medium and large (local and global) organisations. She is passionate about creating pathways for our Māori and Pasifika young people in order for them to achieve success.

Don Mann
Don Mann
Kaiwhakahere Tauiwi

Don Mann was born and raised in West Auckland, one of five sons to Don Mann snr and Elaine Mann (nee Hema). Don’s whakapapa is Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana and Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairoa through his mother Elaine. Don is Tongan through his father Don Mann snr who emigrated to NZ from Neiafu, Vava’u in 1947. Don is married to Louise, an experienced executive with the NZ Police. Don and Louise live in South Auckland with their daughters Sarah and Olivia. Don is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Media Network, a public media broadcaster whose mission is to empower, encourage and nurture Pacific cultural identity and economic prosperity in Aotearoa. Don’s leadership roles across the public and private sector include; CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), General Manager of the NZ Warriors NRL franchise. Don joined the NZ Police at the age of 20, serving 13 years that included eight years as a Detective with the Auckland Criminal Investigation Branch. Don is a graduate of Massey University, a Certified Company Director and a member of the Institute of Directors. Don also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Sky City Auckland Community Trust, The Rising Foundation and is an executive committee member of the NZ Tonga Business Council.

Executive Team.

Dr. Claire McGowan

Te Tumuaki / Chief Executive Officer

Rachel Hamlin

Chief Operations Officer

Emily Cordwell

Chief Information Officer

Pete Elderkin

Chief Financial Officer

Mark Chavez

National Quality Assurance Manager

Elizabeth Nikora

Director of Teaching and Learning
Norm McKenzie
Norm McKenzie
Te Koruru Member
Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Jenny Solomon
Jenny Solomon
Te Kaiwhakahaere Māori

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Jenny Solomon Jenny’s early career focused on corporate learning and development culminating in her managing Westpac Australia’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO). On her return to Aotearoa, she co-owned the highly successful Māori Private Training Establishment – Solomon Group. This kaupapa Māori organisation was fully Government funded to support the South and East Auckland communities and Northland with particular focus on Māori, Pasifika and rangatahi. Solomon Group held long-standing contracts with TEC, MSD and MOE including as the largest provider of the Youth Transition Service and delivering successful Work Placement and Literacy programmes. Since 2018, Jenny has moved into governance and consulting roles. Through these Jenny helps organisations to develop in areas such as people strategies, learning and development, governance, strategy, innovation, and cultural competence. She is passionate about achieving social outcomes and equality in Aotearoa and currently serves as a Trustee on five Boards that focus on these kaupapa. She holds an EMBA with Honours (Massey University).

Tania Anderson
Tania Anderson
Te Koruru Member

Ko Tania Anderson tokū ingoa, ko pākeha ahau. I tipu ake au ki Tauranga Moana. Kei Whanganui-a-tara ahau e noho ana. She works in systems informed participatory design and Developmental Evaluation, with a background in programme and change management. She brings together these diverse skills and approaches to all things social innovation, to work in culturally grounded, trauma informed participatory practices for change in the disability support system, homelessness, mental health distress and addictions, family and sexual violence. She is also lived experience leader within the mental health and addictions sector, engaging her and her whānau’s experiences to support change for social justice and wellbeing outcomes. She believes that compassion, evidence and participatory practice is key to co-creating change and making a real difference with people. Driving to address equity, wellbeing and achieving system change with those who have historically been excluded.

Emily Vaka'uta
Emily Vaka'uta
Te Koruru Member

Ngāpuhi

Emily is the Chief Financial Officer at Springload Ltd, a chartered accountant and holds degrees in both a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration and Bachelor of Tourism. Emily has over 20 years experience in financial services with over 10 years spent in hedge funds leading teams across both medium and large (local and global) organisations. She is passionate about creating pathways for our Māori and Pasifika young people in order for them to achieve success.

Don Mann
Don Mann
Kaiwhakahere Tauiwi

Don Mann was born and raised in West Auckland, one of five sons to Don Mann snr and Elaine Mann (nee Hema). Don’s whakapapa is Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana and Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairoa through his mother Elaine. Don is Tongan through his father Don Mann snr who emigrated to NZ from Neiafu, Vava’u in 1947. Don is married to Louise, an experienced executive with the NZ Police. Don and Louise live in South Auckland with their daughters Sarah and Olivia. Don is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Media Network, a public media broadcaster whose mission is to empower, encourage and nurture Pacific cultural identity and economic prosperity in Aotearoa. Don’s leadership roles across the public and private sector include; CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), General Manager of the NZ Warriors NRL franchise. Don joined the NZ Police at the age of 20, serving 13 years that included eight years as a Detective with the Auckland Criminal Investigation Branch. Don is a graduate of Massey University, a Certified Company Director and a member of the Institute of Directors. Don also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Sky City Auckland Community Trust, The Rising Foundation and is an executive committee member of the NZ Tonga Business Council.

Support office staff

Brenda Munro

Compliance and Information Liaison

Stephanie Spraggon

National People and Culture Manager

Lynn Cumming

National Business Insights and Contracts Manager

Julie Davis

Finance Manager

Takavee Thanluengtong

Junior Accounts Assistant

Esperance Bilashaka

People and Culture Assistant

Jennifer (Jay) Rupapera

Cluster Manager - Te Taitokerau

Diane Avent

Cluster Manager - Tāmaki Makaurau

Jack Tomoana

Cluster Manager - Waikato/ Waiariki

Rene Babbington

Cluster Manager - Ikaroa Rāwhiti

Trena Chambers

Cluster Manager - Te Waipounamu
Norm McKenzie
Norm McKenzie
Te Koruru Member
Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Norm has successfully led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). He has extensive experience with over 30 years in high level leadership. He has excellent skills in governance and leadership at finance, sales and marketing senior management levels in NZ and the UK, and is experienced with private, public and not for profit environments. Norm has delivered small business management programmes and is active with business coaching. Norm is currently a trustee of the Kahukuraariki Trust Board (representing descendants of his iwi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa). He is also a board member of De Paul House; ADC Properties; Automatic Data Capture Systems Limited; Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services Trust; the Community Impact Forum and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa; Norm has led small, medium and large sales and marketing organisations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Norm is also co-chair of Te Tai Tokerau Māori Party electorate.

Jenny Solomon
Jenny Solomon
Te Kaiwhakahaere Māori

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa

Jenny Solomon Jenny’s early career focused on corporate learning and development culminating in her managing Westpac Australia’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO). On her return to Aotearoa, she co-owned the highly successful Māori Private Training Establishment – Solomon Group. This kaupapa Māori organisation was fully Government funded to support the South and East Auckland communities and Northland with particular focus on Māori, Pasifika and rangatahi. Solomon Group held long-standing contracts with TEC, MSD and MOE including as the largest provider of the Youth Transition Service and delivering successful Work Placement and Literacy programmes. Since 2018, Jenny has moved into governance and consulting roles. Through these Jenny helps organisations to develop in areas such as people strategies, learning and development, governance, strategy, innovation, and cultural competence. She is passionate about achieving social outcomes and equality in Aotearoa and currently serves as a Trustee on five Boards that focus on these kaupapa. She holds an EMBA with Honours (Massey University).

Tania Anderson
Tania Anderson
Te Koruru Member

Ko Tania Anderson tokū ingoa, ko pākeha ahau. I tipu ake au ki Tauranga Moana. Kei Whanganui-a-tara ahau e noho ana. She works in systems informed participatory design and Developmental Evaluation, with a background in programme and change management. She brings together these diverse skills and approaches to all things social innovation, to work in culturally grounded, trauma informed participatory practices for change in the disability support system, homelessness, mental health distress and addictions, family and sexual violence. She is also lived experience leader within the mental health and addictions sector, engaging her and her whānau’s experiences to support change for social justice and wellbeing outcomes. She believes that compassion, evidence and participatory practice is key to co-creating change and making a real difference with people. Driving to address equity, wellbeing and achieving system change with those who have historically been excluded.

Emily Vaka'uta
Emily Vaka'uta
Te Koruru Member

Ngāpuhi

Emily is the Chief Financial Officer at Springload Ltd, a chartered accountant and holds degrees in both a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration and Bachelor of Tourism. Emily has over 20 years experience in financial services with over 10 years spent in hedge funds leading teams across both medium and large (local and global) organisations. She is passionate about creating pathways for our Māori and Pasifika young people in order for them to achieve success.

Don Mann
Don Mann
Kaiwhakahere Tauiwi

Don Mann was born and raised in West Auckland, one of five sons to Don Mann snr and Elaine Mann (nee Hema). Don’s whakapapa is Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana and Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairoa through his mother Elaine. Don is Tongan through his father Don Mann snr who emigrated to NZ from Neiafu, Vava’u in 1947. Don is married to Louise, an experienced executive with the NZ Police. Don and Louise live in South Auckland with their daughters Sarah and Olivia. Don is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Media Network, a public media broadcaster whose mission is to empower, encourage and nurture Pacific cultural identity and economic prosperity in Aotearoa. Don’s leadership roles across the public and private sector include; CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), General Manager of the NZ Warriors NRL franchise. Don joined the NZ Police at the age of 20, serving 13 years that included eight years as a Detective with the Auckland Criminal Investigation Branch. Don is a graduate of Massey University, a Certified Company Director and a member of the Institute of Directors. Don also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Sky City Auckland Community Trust, The Rising Foundation and is an executive committee member of the NZ Tonga Business Council.

We are woven together by our shared values and principles along with our shared mission and kaupapa.

Ngā wāhi ako

Where to learn

Our 20+ sites are across Aotearoa, from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

Check where you can learn

Head Office

111 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072

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