Meet our Team

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Tēna koutou katoa,

Ki te taha o tōku papa
Ko Maungatautari te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Waikato te iwi

Ki te taha o tōku mama
Ko Konaki te maunga
Ko Wairakau te awa
Ko Horouta te waka
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi

Ko Rahera Tupaea tōkua ingoa

Rahera was born and raised in South Auckland, she attributes her success to her hardworking parents.

Rahera’s journey at MIT began in 2016 as a member of the Pathways and Transitions team. Initially, she coordinated the MIT STAR funded programmes and gradually took on additional administrative duties to support the Head of Department and the team. Her commitment, determination, and the support from previous managers have been instrumental in her rise to the position of Pathways Manager for MIT Trades Academy.

Known for her passion in supporting ākonga on their pathways to higher education or employment, she ensures that her and her team are continuously learning, improving, and growing while staying engaged and supportive of their ākonga.

This year, Rahera’s role has expanded to include managing the Schools and Community team. She is enthusiastic about this new responsibility and looks forward to increasing her school visits and community engagement.

The most rewarding part of Rahera’s job is knowing that her team’s efforts contribute to a brighter future for rangatahi, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to achieve their dreams and succeed in their chosen pathways.

Nga mihi nui ki a koutou!

Profile

Born and raised in the vibrant islands of Samoa, I began my journey there before moving to New Zealand in 2012 with my family to explore new opportunities and experiences. We now live in South Auckland, Ōtara, where my new chapter started.

After attending Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Senior School, I continued my education at the University of Auckland and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. With a background in marketing, management, and leadership, I aim to utilise the skills, experience, and knowledge I’ve gained to support my community and help the younger generation discover their purpose and reach their fullest potential.

Outside of work, I enjoy gaming with friends on the weekends, going off-roading, and spending time with loved ones and my two dogs.

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Talofa, my name is Gabriella Masoe. I am full Samoan and was born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland.

Prior to this role, I worked as a navigator/mentor at AUT, where I developed a passion for helping our youth navigate their career paths. I am now a part of the Schools and Community team, where I can hopefully inspire our students to believe in their potential and not limit themselves to any barriers they might come across.

Outside of work, I like to do a bit of CrossFit. Exercising clears my mind and allows me to reset before the end of the day. I also love being an aunty and spending heaps of time with my nieces.

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Tusi was born and raised in Auckland. She is the Schools and Community Administrator and supports the liaison team with events, activities and other initiatives. She believes the best thing about her role is seeing people pathway into further education and realizing their goals and aspirations through tertiary study.

Outside of work Tusi likes to spend quality time with her family and she capturing memories through photography.

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Willy was born and raised in the East Auckland suburb of Glen Innes but now resides in South Auckland with his aiga.

Willy has been a part of the Schools and Community team since 2021. With a background in youth work, Willy enjoys connecting with the younger rangatahi and being able to help different ākonga from across Tamaki discover their passion and know their potential.

In his spare time, Willy enjoys exercising, hanging out with lifelong friends and spending time with his loved ones.