About Us

Connecting with children is always a joy! Having worked as a passionate advocate for and with children for over 40 years, in my role as Co-Founder and CEO of Homes of Hope Charitable Trust, I am extremely blessed and continually challenged to ensure we meet the needs of the tamariki entrusted into our care every day.

This is by far the most rewarding, wonderful mahi to have been called to. To grow, lead and support such a wonderful team of committed folks who share Homes of Hope values, vision and mission is magnificent! I now specialize in using Child Centred Play Therapy to support tamariki and their whanau/caregivers. Child Centred Play Therapy offers these children a trusting space and relationship where they can express their thoughts, feelings and behaviours at their own pace and developmental level, leading to deep inner healing. What greater joy and privilege could there be? Caring for children from hard places in Aotearoa continues to inspire us to respond, stretch, and grow; to challenge, advocate and ensure, that these precious taonga are well served.

Nā te Atua, ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tātou māhi. Let the uniqueness of each child, a gift from God, guide our work.

Carena is from Kai Tahu Iwi in the South Island. She is an experienced Social Worker in both the Government and Non-Government (NGO) sector. Carena is also an experienced manager and brings these skills with her in her role as the Director of Services. Carena is extremely passionate about empowering tamariki and rangatahi, while also supporting whānau to thrive so they can be reunified with their tamariki.

Kia ora, My name is Atawhai & my fiancés name is Jacob.

We are both from Tauranga even though Jacob was born in Australia. We have 3 amazing tamariki – Kawana, Ariamai and Rangiwhetū. We also have a moko girl Marino that we take care of.

We like lots of sports including Rugby, Netball, League, Touch and softball. Our daughter plays Kiwitag and Volleyball for her school.

We like all sorts of music ranging from country (Jacob) hip hop, r n b, to the old school jams.

I work full time at Te Kōhanga Reo o Huria where I teach te reo Māori to under 5’s and do admin there also. Jacob works as a leading hand for Downer NZ as a water technician.

Our Māoritanga plays a big part in our lives from tikanga such as taking your shoes off at the door, not sitting on tables and doing karakia at kai time to spending time on our marae/clubrooms either helping out at working bees, tangihanga, hui etc. We are into our kapahaka which just saw our son be kaea for his roopu Te Tauranga o Nga Waka this year and they placed third in their regional competition.

We are definitely people of the moana, the beach is our go to over the summer holidays just chilling eating and having a great time. Jacob loves to dive and I like to eat what he brings back hahaha.

We are very involved parents that support our tamariki where we can by putting our hands up to coach or manage sports teams, being great taxi drivers or by attending events. We also believe in kids taking opportunities where they can and we just make it work.

Our little motto is “it’s about spending time with whānau and making memories”

Kia Ora my name is Jamal

I’m born and bred in Arataki Mount Maunganui. I’m a Chef by trade. But not currently working as one.

I’m a single father of 2 whom are adults now.

I moved to Australia with them where I lived for 12.5 yrs. My kids still reside in Perth.

I love kids and they bring joy into this world. I have 3 nephews whom I adore, and I treat them as my own, when my sister lets me have them!

I love working for Homes of Hope and it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I don’t know why I haven’t done something like this before.

My interests are most sports Rugby, Rugby League, Basketball Tennis etc..

And also:

• Cooking
• Eating
• All music

Whānau is important to me.

Dany affiliates to Kai Tahu Iwi in the South Island. She has a background working as an administrator for IDEA Services prior to joining the team at Homes of Hope.  Dany has been an active member of St John since she was five and a half years old and is currently the Divisional Manager at Otumoetai Youth Division.  Dany has a passion for empowering tamariki to find their unique talents, gifts and strengths and loves being able to give back to the community in her role as houseparent.

Sanita and Bryan work as Support Caregivers in our whare, looking after the tamariki when our House Parents have a break.  They have six children, some of whom they whangai.  In her spare time Sanita runs her own party planning business.  Bryan works at one of the local primary schools and is well respected by both his colleagues and the tamariki.  Sanita and Bryan are passionate about empowering, encouraging and guiding tamariki so they can be the best versions of themselves.

Sanita is Māori Samoan and affiliates to Ngati Awa Iwi in the Eastern Bay and Maleala Village in Samoa.  Bryan is a New Zealand born Samoan from Auckland, who affiliates to Palauli Village in Samoa. 

Sanita and Bryan work as Support Caregivers in our whare, looking after the tamariki when our House Parents have a break.  They have six children, some of whom they whangai.  In her spare time Sanita runs her own party planning business.  Bryan works at one of the local primary schools and is well respected by both his colleagues and the tamariki.  Sanita and Bryan are passionate about empowering, encouraging and guiding tamariki so they can be the best versions of themselves.

Antonia is from Te Puke. She has always been passionate about working with children and families. Antonia has worked in school settings supporting neurodiverse children,  as a child counsellor, and has worked in the community as a facilitator of change for families and as the Strengthening Families Coordinator. 

In recent years Antonia decided to continue her training to become a Child-Centred Play Therapist. She loves supporting children to grow, learn new ways of being, discover the depths of their strength and potential and to have a safe place to process difficult things they have experienced.  As a part of the team at Homes of Hope Antonia feels privileged to do what she loves everyday.

It is a great privilege to serve the vision and mission of Homes of Hope. I have a passion to see individuals grow into and utilize the fullness of all that they are gifted and created to be. As an Organisation we seek to support children in this way and help this become a reality for them. It is a delight to hear the stories of young adults who once were in our care, now making great decisions for themselves and others. That some of them have returned to serve and to learn here is a delight and inspires us. We are very excited about Homes of Hope’s development and growth since its inception.

It is an absolute privilege to be part of an organisation who cares for and advocates for our tamariki. Our team work with heart and passion and are an inspiration for all. It is my honour, as a board member, to serve a well-needed kaupapa under amazing leadership, where our tamariki are loved and have opportunity to thrive.