I first heard about Ngā Kete through our marae network. The trust was looking for another trustee, and when I learned about the work they were doing for our whānau, it struck a chord with me. It aligned with my own philosophy of helping others, and I felt I had to step forward. I put my name in the hat, and before I knew it, I was part of something much bigger than I had imagined. It was an opportunity to make a real difference.
Looking back now, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Ngā Kete has come such a long way. The trust’s growth over the years is nothing short of amazing, and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of that journey. What stands out the most for me is how much we’ve been able to support our whānau, not just in our local community, but across the Southern region. I’ve seen first-hand how the trust has touched lives, and it’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come since those early days.
I’m proud of the way we’ve continually adapted to meet the needs of our people. That’s the most significant achievement, in my eyes—the trust’s ability to grow and evolve, to stay relevant and supportive as our community’s needs have changed.
Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There have been challenges along the way, especially with the changing focus of government support for our communities. That has thrown us curveballs, but time and time again, I’ve seen how our leadership team, especially our CEO, has stepped up to find solutions. We’ve always had a leadership team that is determined to find a way, even when things get tough. It hasn’t been easy, but together, we’ve always managed to get through.
What sets Ngā Kete apart from other organizations isn’t just the services we offer. It’s the people. Our whānau is our strength. Without them, we’d be just another service provider, but it’s the commitment and dedication of each person that makes this place something special. That’s what I truly believe makes Ngā Kete unique.
Being on the board for as long as I have, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of tikanga, our traditions, and how to honor those values in everything we do. What I’ve really come to appreciate, though, is the strength of the people in our trust. The people are what make Ngā Kete special. I’ve been amazed by the dedication and the passion of our whānau, who step up always to support others in our community.
It’s these people, and the connections we’ve built, that make all the work worth it. I’ve had so many heart-warming conversations with people from all walks of life, sharing their experiences and seeing how much of a difference Ngā Kete has made in their lives. Those moments are why I continue to do what I do.
Celebrating 25 years feels surreal. I’ve been involved with Ngā Kete for 20 years, and it’s been a privilege to watch the trust grow and develop. As we look back on these 25 years, it’s clear that the trust has stayed true to its original vision. The heart of Ngā Kete has always been about helping others, and that’s something we’ve never lost sight of. Even as we’ve adapted to changing circumstances, our core values have remained the same: to serve, support, and empower those in need.
As I reflect on my years on the board, what I’m most proud of is seeing the trust grow and hearing the positive feedback from the community. Every time I hear someone share their story about how Ngā Kete has made a difference in their life, I feel proud to be part of this journey.
One person who has greatly influenced me during my time as chairperson is Aunty Jane. Her quiet leadership, her ability to listen and only speak when necessary, was a lesson in humility and respect. She led with compassion, and her guidance has shaped the way I approach leadership. It was an honor to sit at the same table with her, and I continue to carry the lessons she taught me.
When I think about the next 25 years, I’m filled with hope. We’ve built a strong foundation, and now it’s about continuing that legacy. The work that our CEO and leadership team have done is outstanding, and I believe we’ll only continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
But it’s not just about growth; it’s about staying connected to our community and being responsive to the needs that will arise. We need to keep listening, keep communicating, and ensure that we’re always there when our whānau needs us the most.
The next 25 years will bring new challenges, but I’m confident that Ngā Kete will continue to grow and serve our community, just as we’ve always done. For our people, by our people—that’s the heart of Ngā Kete.
