The Team.

While previously devoting her time within education, Shelley is excited to move into a completely different sector and the learning and challenge that this encompasses. The essence of what Momenta does, working with people to pursue their dreams and goals, aligns with her values and commitment to serve the community in which she lives.

Shelley has a heartfelt connection to Tauranga, being born here and lived here all her life. She also feels extremely fortunate that her two daughters still live here with her four beautiful grandchildren, which is who she loves to spend as much time as she can with.

 

I have always loved being of service to people!

The connection created with another person is where the spark is for me!
Getting to know them in a holistic way and encouraging and supporting them gives me immense joy! I embrace people from all walks of life and believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

My passion for people has taken me into many industries, from customer service, sales, and clienteling to coaching! I am creative, resilient, open-minded and authentic in who I am.

My optimistic outlook is always looking for the best way forward!

 

I’m originally from Gisborne, but Tauranga has been my home for most of my life. My career mostly involves providing admin services and support to businesses and organisations. I’m drawn to organisations that positively impact the community, with a particular passion for work that provides meaningful outcomes for families or individuals.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends. You’ll often find me outdoors, where I love to explore new places and take walks around the beautiful Bay of Plenty! That’s me in a nutshell – a down-to-earth admin professional who cherishes quality time with loved ones and the beauty of the outdoors.

Hey there, I’m Kristen, a proud Kuki Airani/Tahitian with a heart for family and building connections. I was born and raised in Dunedin amongst the rich tapestry of my Cook Island Community. I’m passionate about spending time with my whanau, my husband, Wiremu, and my six wonderful kids.

My background in Personal Training and Nutrition has come from my love of sports and cultural performances, and I love nothing more than being in the kitchen whipping up good kai for my whanau. I’m also the proud joint business owner of Kanuka Wellbeing and Leadership with my husband.

 

 

Maria will be covering Kerry while she is on maternity leave from August 2023 – 2024. She has been working closely with Kerry on marketing strategy and planning, specifically building awareness and relationships with local businesses to break down barriers and challenge myths about employment opportunities for those with lived experience of disability. In her spare time, you’ll find Maria running on the trails, spending quality time with her family, indulging in delicious food, or getting stuck into baking and cake making.

Originally from Whangarei, Sabrina made the moved to Tauranga to work with Momenta. She is passionate about change and loves working with people to help them improve the quality of their lives. In her spare time, Sabrina loves to explore new places and is always keen to try new things and learn new skills. She loves being outside, nature walks and beach trips are always a yes for Sabrina!

Jennie is a firm believer in community and the importance of strengthening connections. In her recent role as Programme Coordinator for StarJam, a national not-for-profit, she saw firsthand the power of inclusivity that strong community connections can achieve.

Jennie is passionate about bringing people together and making a positive impact. With her background in visual arts and education, she brings thought-provoking ideas to the Momenta team. In her spare time, you’ll find Jennie spending time with her family, crafting, and going on adventures.

Coming from a mental health and wellbeing background, Ash is an empath through and through. Empowering people to reach their goals is what he loves to do, and he uses many tools to do so.

Originally from Wales, Ash has lived in New Zealand for the past 8 years. Outside of work he loves spending time making music, surfing and spending time with friends and family.

Kerry is tasked with working in collaboration with thought leaders from across the Bay of Plenty keen to shift societal barriers for people who experience disadvantage. As well as using modern story-telling methods to create greater awareness and broader thinking about disability inclusion in the workplace, boardroom and community. Kerry is motivated by the opportunity to work in a team aiming for greater social change. Whenever she gets the chance, Kerry enjoys getting outside and making the most of what is on offer in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, although the types of activities have changed somewhat since welcoming her daughter, Evie, in early 2021.

Sam is the manager of environmental regulation at Tauranga City Council. He’s a lawyer by profession so brings to the Board research, analysis and listening skills, as well as his management experience. He is a rugby referee and loves to get out and enjoy Tauranga with his wife and two sons. In 2017, Sam helped set a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest Chinese whisper by supporting Hearing Support Bay of Plenty to ensure all the requirements for an official record were met by the 1,792 primary school students involved.

John is currently the Director – Disability and Inclusion at Ara Institute. Prior to this John spent 19 years in senior management and leadership roles across the health and disability sector and has held several governance roles in the sector. He has authored several academic papers looking at disability theory, policy, and support practices, with a particular focus on quality of life, education, and employment.

John enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors, with regular tramping and camping holidays. He is a self-confessed “cricket tragic” and continues to play club cricket, as well as football in the winter. Reading is another regular past-time particularly in the areas of history, politics, leadership and social issues.

Keri is director of a Tauranga-based content creation agency called All the Words. She runs a team of expert storytellers who use words, video, audio, still images and a mountain of creativity to help businesses and organisations connect with the people who matter to them. As a former journalist, Keri brings a deep curiosity to her role on the Momenta board. Keri grew up in the Bay of Plenty and moved home with her family in 2011. She enjoys her husband’s amazing chef skills, a bit of tramping, belting out some heartfelt but woeful karaoke, churning through audiobooks, and how furiously her garden grows in our wonderful climate.

Michael joins the Momenta Board as part of the Aspiring Directors Programme. Currently a Digital Accessibility Specialist at Ministry of Social Development and founder of Accommodationz Ltd/MyAccom –  a community driven online peer-to-peer marketplace that connects the access traveller with hosted accommodation that meets their access needs and an environment of awareness, belonging and dignity. Previously an Adaptive Technology Assessor and trainer with over 18 years’ disability rehabilitation expertise. Michael enjoys keeping fit and living life to its full potential; completing the New York City Marathon 10 times an ode to this mindset!