Kia ora, ko Missy tōku ingoa. 

I am one of the kaiako for the Hei Whanake programme. I am a qualified teacher with a background of teaching at Intermediate and Secondary schools. My own experiences as a learner and teacher has lead me to becoming involved with supporting rangatahi who don’t fit into mainstream education or are faced with certain barriers that inhibit them from learning. 

I am passionate about supporting rangatahi to become self confident life long learners. The most rewarding part of being a kaiako is seeing learners apply new skills and believe in themselves and their potential. Our Hei Whanake programme is suitable for those who struggle in mainstream, prefer hands-on experiences, enjoy outdoor activities, or want to be in a small class of learners. Our core values, Manaakitanga and whanaungatanga are important and enables us to create a safe space to learn in. 

Come and join our Hei Whanake programme!

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Tanya tōku ikoa. He uri ahau nō Kai Tahu. Kei te noho au i Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Māui, ā, he kaimahi au i te kaupapa Hei Whanake.

I am the Coordinator for Hei Whanake in Marlborough, connecting with the community and supporting rangatahi who are exploring pathways . Many of our tauira have not thrived in mainstream settings, so I work closely with our kaiako to create a space where they feel safe, seen, and empowered to learn in ways that reflect who they are. I believe that supporting our rangitahi to understand and embrace their identity is essential to wellbeing—and to their ability to navigate an ever-changing work and learning landscape with confidence and resilience.

My approach is grounded in ako—recognising that teaching and learning are reciprocal and that everyone brings knowledge and value to the space. I hold qualifications in communication, career development, and education, and have spent the last 15 years working as a career specialist across training environments in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu, (NZ) and Australia.

Kā mihi nui.

Mālō e lelei, Ko hoku hingoa ko Nastassia Wolfgramm.

I am of Tongan, French Polynesian, Fijian and German descent, born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. In 2023, I made the move to beautiful Marlborough to work with the amazing Pasifika arts community there.

I have twelve years’ experience developing and delivering educational and creative arts programmes and workshops. I have also mentored youth in schools, church productions, charity organisations, community and professional shows. I have a degree in Performing Arts, have toured internationally and nationally as a singer/actor and have worked alongside some of Aotearoa’s finest Māori and Pasifika creatives. 

I am passionate about empowering rangatahi to discover their unique potential and am excited to be joining the Hei Whanake team as Kaiako in Blenheim. 

One Tongan value that resonates with me is ‘Tuai kae pau’ which translates to ‘slowly but surely’. For me, it speaks to growth being a journey and to not give up no matter what comes our way – we’ll get there eventually.

Faka’apa’apa atu (Respectfully)

Kia ora, ko Kim taku ingoa.

I’m the Regional Coordinator for the Hei Whanake programme here in Te Tauihu. I’m passionate about supporting rangatahi to identify as capable learners, build confidence, and gain practical – transferable skills.

With a background in youth work, career guidance, transition support and teaching, I love building genuine connections with people and working in a solution-focused way. Hei Whanake is a safe space for those who are keen on something different to mainstream education, with a hands-on, supportive approach.

Horticulture is at the heart of our programme – and it’s such a valuable industry. It connects us to the land, to the seasons, and to our communities.

If you’re looking for a fresh start and a place where you’ll be supported to succeed, nau mai – come and join us, we look forward to welcoming you.