About us
The service objectives of our Trust are to provide wrap-around social support services to whanau. This service can include: advocacy, long-term mentoring, specialised counselling for children, life-skills development and parenting support, enabling families to be self-determining and aspirational. Our service delivery is culturally appropriate and effective. The effectiveness of our work has grown because of our constant partnership with other agencies in the community.
Established in September 1995, the Trust works with families and children in the communities of Pt England, Panmure and Glen Innes. Our vision is to see a community of people who are educated, employed, empowered and reaching their potential. We want to see children happy, healthy and thriving.
What People (Organisations) Say About Us
"At Pt England we have long believed that 'it takes a village to raise a child' and we are hugely grateful for the input and contribution of TCDT, they are an extremely valuable resource for our school and the community we serve". Toni Nua, Associate Principal, Pt England School.
"..the TCDT workers offer a down to earth, practical and often more immediate response to these families needs. The workers are very in-tune with our community and families and know just how much support to give..." Rhonda Kelly, former Principal, Tamaki Primary School.
"I always describe Tamaki Community Development Trust as being like an "engine room".....this is their strength: never judgemental, never pushing beyond what a whanau can handle... Their goal is to empower and their practice matches their vision and philosophy" Chris Bush, RTLB Cluster 8
"It is fair to say that without the work of the Tamaki Community Development Trust in the community there would have been many families and individuals lost along the way. It is changing things today, that there is hope for tomorrow" Kathryn Moore, Deputy Principal, Tamaki College.
What our Clients say about us
"...has been a big inspiration to my big family. This organisation is very fantastic..."
"... her willingness to learn about my son's special needs...her love and understanding for the boys..she puts other people's needs ahead of hers and she cares alot about the community, the families....she is a very special person...thankyou for helping us and being there for us..."
"..has been amazing and very helpful with everything that I needed help with..."
"..helped my Dad when he was drunk..took care of me..."
"...is a wonderful, caring lady who works so hard for her community. She gave our family support and love at times of need. Thank you so much..."
"..helped my son at school and it made a big difference on his learning and behaviour..."
Donate
Donate to help us help the children and families in our Community.
Vision Partnership For Change
We have built partnerships with both government and non-government agencies (e.g. schools) to enable us to provide a quality service that is free to the community.
Mission Statement
To WORK in PARTNERSHIP within a Community Led Development Framework that provides high quality accessible services and develops interdependent people and strong families.
Our People
Greg Va'afusuaga, Kaiwhakahaere/Director
Greg was appointed as Director in July 2021 having served in senior management roles in the manufacturing and non government community sectors. He has an Accounting background having been an Accountant in Weston & Associates (CA Firm), Finance Manager for Vaka Tautua, a Pacifica NGO and Chief Financial Officer for DNA 1st Solution Limited.
Greg was an original Trustee for the Manaiakalani Education Trust and formerly on the Board of Trustees at Point England Primary School. He is also an Elder at Tamaki Community Church. Greg returns to Tamaki Community Development Trust having been their first mentor for young boys in the Tamaki Area seven years ago. He is passionate about people fulfilling their potential and supporting families in the Tamaki community.
Sirikit Diaz, Kaitautoko Mahi
Sirikit works with families in the community providing them with mentoring, advocacy and life skills support. Sirikit is a co-facilitator of "Building Awesome Whanau" parenting programme. She has been involved in student crisis support & supporting families to attend the Power Up Program, family group conferences where she is a voice for the families and meetings with teachers, principals, RTLB's, doctors and other professionals working with and around the families.
Sirikit has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work.
Roxanne Adams, Kaiatawhai / Kaimahi-ā-iwi, Iwi Social Worker
Roxanne, who is also a Trustee on the Board of the Dunkirk Activity Centre and Tamaki Budgeting Glen Innes, works with families in the community providing them with mentoring, advocacy and life skills support.
Roxanne ensures children are involved in quality after school programmes such as Kapa Haka; Netball, and Art. She has facilitated the "Building Awesome Whanau" parenting programme and has a long term and practical approach when partnering with families.
Roxanne has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work.
Osaiasi Kupu, Social Worker, Tamaki College
Osaiasi has 17 years of experience in the Social Work sector with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Auckland Uni. Osaiasi's passion is to give people hope and to help them reach their full potential. He has developed and facilitated a Children witnessing Violence program and was also a facilitator for the Fa'afaletui Men's Stopping Violence Program - which is the only approved Pacific Domestic Violence Program in NZ. Osaiasi has also facilitated programs at Mens prisons and is a founding member of the Ranui Action Project Trust and the Mohetaha Incorporated Society. Ozee (as he is known) works with students in the local College and goes above and goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to providing support and encouragement to our young people.
Dina Guirguis, Whanau Wellbeing Social Worker
Dina works alongside tamariki (0-12) and their whanau towards utilising their strengths and achieving their goals. This work is done through liaison with schools and other appropriate support services in the community of Pt England, Glen Innes and Panmure. Dina’s background is in Secondary School Teaching and Social Work. She holds a Masters degree in Social Work and a Bachelors degree in Sociology and has many years of experience in both teaching and social work. For the last 11 years, Dina worked with tamariki and their whanau as a Residential Social Worker then as a Social Worker in Schools.
Haare Kutia, Social Worker
Haare Kutia has worked within the Tamaki area for 9 years in various roles. She has engaged with the Point England and Glen Innes community. She has experience in facilitating and leading such as; kid and family camps, community outreaches and events within the Tamaki area. Haare has coached and managed various sports teams and has great relationships and strong engagements across the wider Tāmaki area.
Haare, is a newly qualified Bi-cultural social work practitioner who has a great passion in implementing positive change within Whānau & Tāmariki. Haare has a great passion to see Whanau excel and be their own navigators within their own life journey.
Haare has a great passion in indigenous creative arts that provides a platform of storytelling which allows a deep connection to her origins and roots of today,” He kai kei aku ringa, There is food at the end of my hands”.
Chris Hiko Youth mentor
Chris joins us in the youth mentor role with 5 years of experience in
youth work. Chris has lived and breathed Glen Innes all his life and is
very passionate about bringing the best out of his wider community.
Is heavily involved in the community and is currently the head coach
of the local College 1 st XV team. Chris has completed a diploma in
teaching and is currently completing his 3 rd and last year of his
counselling degree at Laidlaw Bible College. Is very passionate about
his community and enjoys working with youth and families. It is his
goal to return and give back to the village that has helped nurture him
The Board of Trustees
Russell Burt, Chairman
Russell is one of the co-founders of the Tamaki Community Development Trust. Principal of Pt England Primary School, experienced in overseas education to the third world, he currently operates a number of youth programmes for local children. Russell has a passion for children and families in the Tamaki community to experience their true potential. Russell and his wife Dorothy are the champions of the Manaiakalani initiative which implements student practice using media and technologies of e-learning.
Geoff Sturt, Secretary
Geoff is a long serving member of the Tamaki Community Development Trust. He is the owner and operator of Sturt Landscaping, and employs local staff in his business. Geoff also coaches local youth sports teams and has experience in Counselling. Geoff was born in Papua New Guinea and lived there for a number of years. He has always had a heart for working with the community in need.
Mary Samuels, Trustee
Mary is one of the co-founders and a longstanding member of the Tamaki Community Development Trust. She has overseas experience in aid and holistic support to third world countries. Mary has a passion to see the people of our community restored from the tragic circumstances of life that often leave them broken and hurting.
Graeme Clarke, Trustee
Graeme has served in the teaching profession and is also a long serving Elder of the Church - where he and his wife Jenny take an active role in serving the people of this community.
Joel Hamilton, Trustee
Joel joined the Board in August of 2015. Joel is a software developer and technology enthusiast and works with Youth in the Community. Joel is married to Georgie and they have 3 beautiful children.
Anne-Marie Isles, Trustee
Annemarie has a medical background and is presently working in community health with people who have suffered from spinal injuries. She too has overseas experience in aid and holistic support to developing countries and has a passion for seeing families and individuals who have suffered difficulties reach their full potential through love and support of a community around them.