Our values:
Aroha, Hope & Integrity
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.
Heron Tangohau
Community Connector
Heron has a background in health prevention and for the last 3 years she has worked as a change agent across Te Tairāwhiti and Opotiki communities. Her most recent project was leading the Te Mahinga Kai o Te Tairāwhiti initiative which supports kai leaders in Te Tairāwhiti to increase local capacity for food security and sovereignty.
Rosie Allan
Navigator
Rosie was born in Gisborne & has spent much of her life in Hawkes Bay & Wellington. Rosie has a background in education & has later worked as a navigator for Manaaki Tairawhiti.
Rosie is the latest member of our team & is loving working with all of the kaimahi at Supergrans Tairawhiti Trust providing support to our community.
Bronwyn Ngatai-Hawtin
Operations Coordinator
Bronwyn is a Te Araroa local & has spent equal parts of her life between Te Tairawhiti & Tamaki makaurau. She is new to the social services sector, However is loving this environment & finds providing awhi & manaakitanga to our community a very fulfilling journey.
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)
Meet The Team
Sarah Elliott
General Manager
Sarah is originally from North Auckland, however has called our stunning Tairāwhiti home for nine years. Her passion lies in effecting positive change within social services, with a focus on community well-being, bicultural understanding, and innovation.
With over fifteen years of experience in human rights, community work, and social work, She brings a wealth of knowledge & qualifications.
Erina Torrey
Field Coordinator
Erina has been our Field Coordinator for 11 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.
Beck Jacobs
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Beck brings a background of administration, finance and community work.
Passionate about helping whānau and is interested in sustainable living. Beck loves to work for such a great organisation and enjoys supporting the amazing SuperGrans team in the awesome mahi that they do.
Tami Gooch
Social Worker
Tami comes with a background of 5 years social work experience. Prior to social work, she worked as a chef for 10 years. She has a passion for community projects and has been involved with numerous community initiatives, including beach clean ups, fight for life and “Handbags of Joy’. She comes with a range of life skills, a can-do attitude, and a passion for making a difference. She works from a strength-based practice weaved with Te Whare Tapa Whā
Sara Lamont
Foodbank Manager
Sara is Gisborne born and bred and loves to call this place home. She is a super mum and puts everyone else first.
Sara brings passion and enthusiasm to SuperGrans and she loves to be able to give back to the community.
We love having Sara on the team!
Rachel Louie
Foodbank Assistant
Rachel is a local mama of two who was born & raised in Te Tairāwhiti. She has a passion for assisting the community and isn't afraid of hard work. Rachel works alongside our Foodbank Manager Sara to ensure we have fully stocked, nutritious kai parcels available for our community every day.