Meet our team
Our purpose & kaupapa: Enabling whānau with the skills and knowledge to take greater control of their own futures
SuperGrans is a holistic wellbeing service that offers whānau a hand when they need it the most. We don’t judge the situation that people find themselves in, we help out with what whānau need and operate according to old fashioned whanaungatanga.
Our aim is to help in a way that supports people to help themselves and gain a greater level of control over their lives. To enable people to self-manage and make choices that result in them experiencing well health, improved self-esteem and ability to participate in family and community life. Sharing generational knowledge and skills with people in their communities through the concept of kaitiaki mentoring.
We provide the Tairāwhiti community with life skills, maara kai and cooking workshops, social work and social service navigation and connection, kai parcels and kai support, budgeting advice and strength-based practice to build self-esteem and confidence.
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SARAH ELLIOTT
General Manager
SuperGrans Tairāwhiti is pleased to welcome Sarah Elliott back as our Interim General Manager.
Sarah brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to empowering whānau.
Her knowledge of our organisation and community ensures stability and strong guidance as we continue delivering vital support services throughout the region.
Beck Jacobs
Office Manager
As the Office Manager, Beck brings a diverse background in administration, finance, and community work. Her experience equips her to make a significant impact within the organization.
Beck is passionate about helping whānau and has a keen interest in sustainable living. She takes great pride in working for such a remarkable organization and enjoys supporting the amazing SuperGrans team in the important mahi they do. Beck is dedicated to fostering a supportive and efficient work environment, ensuring the team can continue to provide exceptional services to the community.
Bronwyn Ngatai-Hawtin
Operations Coordinator
Bronwyn's life experiences in Te Tairāwhiti and Tāmaki Makaurau have given her a unique perspective on the needs and challenges of different communities. Although relatively new to the social services sector, she has quickly adapted and developed a passion for the work. She is thriving in this environment and deeply enjoys the opportunity to offer support and care to those in need. Bronwyn finds great fulfillment in her role, as it allows her to give back to her community and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Her dedication to providing awhi and manaakitanga is evident in her daily interactions and her ongoing commitment to learning and growing within the sector.
Crystal Stankovich-Te Ua
Financial Mentor
Crystal is originally from Manawatu but has made Te Tāirawhiti her home for over a decade. With a strong foundation in accounting, she has spent recent years helping whānau Māori achieve their homeownership goals through tailored programmes. In addition to facilitating community workshops on financial literacy, Crystal is a dedicated financial mentor & is passionate about supporting our Iwi. Her work focuses on empowering whānau to reach their financial goals and enhancing the overall well-being and financial capability of the community
Kayla Kereopa
Receptionist
Kayla is our friendly and dedicated receptionist, bringing warmth and efficiency to our team for almost two years. As a mother of two young children, she understands the importance of balancing work and family, and her nurturing nature extends to everyone who walks through our doors. Kayla’s welcoming presence and organisational skills ensure that our office runs smoothly, making her an invaluable part of our community-focused organization.
Zoe Spedding
Receptionist
Zoe is our newest team member and brings with her a wealth of administration experience. Although new to the social services sector, she is quickly adapting and enjoying the opportunity to learn more about our community and support the needs of our whānau. A strong advocate for healthy living, Zoe brings a vibrant energy and positive presence to our office. We feel very fortunate to have someone like her as the welcoming face of our organisation.
The SuperGrans Board of Trustees
Our Trustee Members include L-R;
Crystal Stankovich-Te Ua (Treasurer), Mere Pohatu, Molly Pardoe (Chair Person), Tricia Byrne, Te Aorangi Harrington, and Sam Witters (not pictured)
Erina Torrey
Field Coordinator
Erina has been our Field Coordinator for 13 years, she is truly a jack-of-all-trades. Her combination or resourcefulness and compassion has made her absolutely indispensable to the team, she has made so much of SuperGrans vision possible with her can-do attitude.
Erina has created our Tangata Hauora programme which focuses on teaching whānau how to live more sustainably from a practical and holistic approach. The bigger goal with the programme is once the skills have been taught, they can share those skills with their siblings, with their cousins and wider whānau.
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Naleya Ahu
Kai Navigator & Financial Mentor
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. As our Kai Navigator, she will assist and educate whanau to make better kai choices, promoting health and wellbeing. A registered non-clinical vaccinator and Bachelor of Social Work graduate, she blends expertise, experience, and cultural pride to drive meaningful change.
Rachel Louie
Foodbank Coordinator
Rachel is a local mama of two who was born and raised in Te Tairāwhiti. She has a deep passion for assisting the community and is not afraid of hard work. Rachel finds great joy in being able to provide nutritious kai parcels to our community every day, knowing that she is making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Her dedication to supporting local families and individuals is unwavering, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone has access to healthy food options.
