B.Hort.Sci (1988) Massey University
Diploma in Business and Administration (Management)
National Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education (2013)
Sandy was born into a horticultural family and made production horticulture her career when, after graduating with a Bachelor of Horticultural Science from Massey, she began working as a Horticultural Advisor with MAF 40 years ago.
Over that time, Sandy has worked with growers and the wider industry to implement technological changes that have lifted production and improved other outputs.
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!
Kia ora, Ko Mikaere Hauraki toku ingoa.
I am a level 2 Tutor for Fruition Horticulture based in Te Puke, the Kiwifruit capital of the world.
Although I haven’t had a background in teaching, my whanau have been working with Rangatahi and whanau support services in this area for generations, I guess this is where I get my passion for working with Rangatahi from.
I find working with our Rangatahi, especially the ones that may not fit the school mould, giving them the soft skills they’ll need to transition into work, all while gaining a L2 Certificate in Primary Industries in a safe, and comfortable surrounding hugely rewarding. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
Ma te huruhuru, Ka rere te Manu.
Adorn a bird with feathers so that it may fly.
Kia ora whānau.
I’m Anthony Taueki, I serve as the Kaiako for Hei Whanake Napier and Northern
areas. With over 13 years of experience in Horticulture and the primary sector,
I’ve been engaged in multiple aspects of the industry including training and
employability. My journey in the primary sector has enabled me to explore the
world and continually strive for excellence.
My passion is
people and this is driven by the desire to create meaningful pathways with
whānau. Hei Whanake offers learners the opportunity to develop essential soft
skills, foster friendships, engage in fun hands-on learning experiences, enjoy
outdoor and fitness activities and have the opportunity to earn 41 credits at
level 2. Our network’s capabilities are geared towards helping learners set and
achieve their goals whilst being guided towards career opportunities or higher
education. I look forward to joining
you along your journey.
Kia ora whānau, ko Jordan tōku ingoa. I’m the Hastings kaiako for the Hei Whanake programme, bringing a strong background in horticulture and the primary sector into my teaching. Through my journey, I’ve gained hands-on experience across different areas of the industry, shaping both my skills and my passion for working alongside people.
I’ve lived through a range of experiences and challenges, navigating obstacles with resilience and determination. These experiences shape how I show up — with authenticity, empathy, and a strong focus on whanaungatanga.
My passion is people. I’m driven by the desire to support learners from all walks of life to build confidence, discover their strengths, and realise that what once felt out of reach is achievable. I create practical, hands-on learning environments where learners feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Hei Whanake offers opportunities to develop essential life and employability skills, build strong connections, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning. I’m committed to walking alongside learners and their whānau, supporting them to set goals and create pathways into employment or further opportunities.
Takitimu te Waka i hono te Iwi Rongomaiwahine ki tenei uri o Kai Tahu me Kati Mamoe.
Ko Dale Wairau toku ingoa.
Whanau is important to me because it is the core of our culture, it provides a foundational network of support, security, and identity that is crucial for our health and well-being.
As Kaiako/ tutor, I welcome you into our Hei Whanake Whanau in Whakatū.- Nelson.
If you are wanting to take control of your educational choices and enjoy learning in a safe environment and you want to grow your character, then a special welcome awaits you…….Nau mai Haere Mai.
I bring life experience, cultural grounding, and a hands-on approach to my tutor role.
I’m passionate about working alongside rangatahi/ whanau, and supporting them to recognize their potential, to grow their confidence, and develop their curiosity in learning.
Working within a kaupapa Māori environment is at the heart of what I do. I believe in the power of connection, tikanga, and practical learning to uplift individuals and whānau.
It’s a privilege to walk alongside our akonga/student on their journey, helping them to set and achieve their goals and to stand tall in who they are and where they’re heading.
“He tina ki runga hee taamore ki raro”
“In order to flourish above, one must have strong roots below”
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.
