Meet Paul – Our General Manager
For the past five years, Paul has looked after the management of Manaaki Ability Trust and all the backroom tasks including financial matters, staff recruitment, human resources and reporting to our Board of Trustees. He keeps close contact with the Ministry of Social Development which funds us and maintains our relationships with tenants like Kimi Ora School, Literacy Aotearoa and He Puawai Trust who run the community garden on our site. He also oversees the building maintenance activities and our gardening team.
Meet Viv – Our Efficient Office Manager
Viv is the friendly face that greets you at our Manaaki office, taking on the role of Office Manager. In her spare time, she channels her creativity through sewing projects. Viv also brings her creative flair to the centre by assisting with decor and theming for various activities throughout the year when she’s not immersed in paperwork or assisting guests at the front desk.
Introducing Louisa – Our Dedicated Programme Manager (Level 3 Health & Wellbeing Disability Support, NZCALNE)
Louisa has been a member of our team since 2016 and currently supports the team of Disability Support Coordinators as Programme Manager. She is the creative inspiration behind many programs, supporting the team with content creation and advice. She also facilitates our Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award program and has developed programs that support life skills and emotional intelligence. In her spare time Louisa tends to her garden, or enjoys long walks with her greyhounds.
Meet Janelle – Our Passionate Music and Dance Advocate (Level 3 Health & Wellbeing Disability Support)
Janelle joined our team in 2019, bringing her experience as a teacher aide at Kimi Ora School. Her background is in nannying, and she has a deep passion for music and dance. At Manaaki, Janelle spearheads programs encouraging clients to express their creativity through art, dance, music and singing, while facilitating some of our essential life-skill programs. Janelle’s love for photography often leads her on nocturnal adventures chasing auroras or finding waterfalls.
Introducing Brad – Our Numeracy and Literacy Specialist (Level 3 Health & Wellbeing Disability Support, NZCALNE)
Brad joined our team in 2022, bringing a strong background in adult teaching, specialising in numeracy and literacy. At Manaaki, Brad facilitates our technology-based programmes and has recently taken on several life-skill-focused initiatives. Although he is kept busy by his three children, Brad still finds time to do a spot of fishing, play netball, and spend quality moments with his family.
Meet Kimberly – Our Bubbly Activities Coordinator (Level 3 Health & Wellbeing Disability Support, Level 4 Diversional Therapy and Community Health)
Kimberly joined us in 2024, bringing with her knowledge and experience in both Diversional Therapy and an arts background. She also taught ESL and crafts abroad before coming to NZ. Kimberly is passionate about helping people and sharing her knowledge. She facilitates programmes that involve interactive learning, as well as a range of fitness activities.
In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys movies, quiz nights and karaoke.
Meet Rhian – Our Life Skills Specialist (Level 3 Health & Wellbeing Disability Support)
Rhian joined us in 2025 after completing her Level 3 Health and Wellbeing placement with us through Weltec. Her background in hospitality highlighted a natural talent for connecting with people.
Rhian facilitates programmes that focus on building life skills. Rhian has also completed her Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader training and currently oversees our Bronze Participants.
In her spare time, Rhian loves being around people and volunteers with two organisations outside of her work. When not volunteering, she can be found doting on her cat.
Meet Thea – Our Sports and Fitness Specialist (NZ Cert in Health & Wellbeing (Level 3) Support Work – Disability Programme, NZ Cert in Health & Fitness (Level 4))
Meet Malu – Our Housekeeping Wonderwoman
Malu has been with us forever!