Meet our team
Our team supports SuperGrans’ vision of helping Tairāwhiti whānau live well and flourish.
Guided by our values of aroha, hope, and integrity.
We empower whānau with skills, mentoring, social support, and community services to take greater control of their own futures.
Crystal Stankovich-Te Ua
Finance and Operations Manager
Crystal provides financial and operational leadership to the Board and SuperGrans team, ensuring the organisation operates efficiently to empower kaimahi and deliver meaningful services to clients and the wider community.
Crystal brings experience across financial and accounting roles, alongside governance roles in youth, education, and charitable organisations. Currently completing her GradDipCA with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Crystal is committed to leading with compassion, supporting SGT kaimahi to deliver services effectively, and helping whānau and the community thrive.
Outside of work, Crystal enjoys actively being involved in her community and balancing whānau life with her professional commitments.
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SARAH ELLIOTT
Strategic Advisor
Sarah provides strategic guidance to the Board and SuperGrans team, building partnerships with funders and the community while helping shape the Trust’s direction to continually support whānau outcomes.
Sarah brings over 15 years of leadership across social services, education, and community development, including governance roles, and published research in social work and wellbeing. Her background as a senior manager, lecturer, and international presenter strengthens her ability to guide strategy, build capability, and champion outcomes for whānau across Tairāwhiti and Aotearoa
GAEL RICHARDSON
Office / Account Administrator
Gael provides essential administrative and operational support to the SuperGrans team, keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Gael has always enjoyed staying active and connecting with people. She brings a wealth of experience from retail, 14 years as a teacher aide, and administration. With a positive and hands-on approach, Gael is always willing to step in and help wherever she is needed.
Outside of work, Gael has volunteered at the Hospice shop for the past five years, as well as supporting various community events. She is deeply passionate about her community and giving back wherever she can.
Zoe Spedding
Receptionist / Marketing Coordinator
Zoe is the welcoming face of SuperGrans, supporting whānau and the wider community while keeping the organisation running smoothly and coordinating marketing, communications, and social media.
Zoe brings over 15 years of admin, reception, and front-facing experience, with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach. She is passionate about communication and ensuring people feel heard, supported, and valued.
Zoe also coordinates marketing and social media, bringing together her passion for creativity and her genuine desire to help people.
Rachel Louie
Foodbank Coordinator
Rachel coordinates the SuperGrans Foodbank, overseeing daily logistics and managing donated goods. She also works alongside the volunteers who support the Foodbank to ensure our kai parcels remain well stocked for whānau in need across Tairāwhiti.
With four years at SuperGrans, Rach brings a wealth of experience and a strong people-focused approach to her role. Her background in retail and customer service shines through in the way she connects with whānau and supports those around her. As a mum to two boys, she understands the realities of family life and brings empathy, care, and dedication to everything she does.
BROOKE MATTHEWS
Community Navigator
Brooke supports whānau and the wider community by delivering life-skills workshops, helping embed practical life skills and ensuring learning is easily accessible across Tairāwhiti.
Brooke brings a strong passion for supporting whānau and community, with experience in facilitating workshops and creating safe, welcoming spaces for learning. She is committed to empowering others with practical skills and knowledge to build confidence and independence.
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naleya ahu
Social Worker & Volunteer Coordinator
Naleya supports whānau through strength-based social work, enabling them to build confidence, skills, and knowledge to take greater control of their futures. She also coordinates and guides volunteers who help deliver SuperGrans Tairāwhiti’s community programmes.
Naleya is a skilled professional focused on advocacy, cultural connection, and positive outcomes for individuals and whanau. With experience in counseling, housing support, and restorative justice, she fosters respectful relationships and implements culturally aligned solutions.
Passionate about Te Ao Māori, Naleya incorporates practices like Purakau and Wananga to support healing.
CAROLYN SHORE
Financial Mentor
Carolyn provides strength-based financial mentoring, helping whānau take control of their finances, achieve their goals, and strengthen their financial wellbeing for the future.
Carolyn brings extensive knowledge and experience in finance and is excited to step into a community-based role, supporting whānau to improve their financial wellbeing. Drawing on both her strong financial administration background and personal life experience, she is committed to guiding people toward long-term stability and meaningful financial goals.
