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.

 

Beena has always loved being of service to people.

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

Beena’s passion for people has taken her into many industries, from customer service, sales, and clienteling to coaching. She is creative, resilient, open-minded and authentic in who she is. 

Beena’s optimistic outlook is always looking for the best way forward.

While originally from Gisborne, Tauranga has been where Nicki calls home for most of her life. Nicki’s career involves providing administration services and support to businesses and organisations. She is 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, Nicki love spending time with family and friends. You’ll often find her outdoors, where she loves to explore new places and take walks around the beautiful Bay of Plenty! That’s Nicki in a nutshell – a down-to-earth admin professional who cherishes quality time with loved ones and the beauty of the outdoors.

Kristen is a proud Kuki Airani/Tahitian with a heart for family and building connections. Born and raised in Dunedin amongst the rich tapestry of her Cook Island Community. Kristen is passionate about spending time with my whānau, my husband, Wiremu, and my six wonderful kids.

Kristen’s background in Personal Training and Nutrition has come from her love of sports and cultural performances, and she loves nothing more than being in the kitchen whipping up good kai for her whānau. Kristen is also the proud joint business owner of Kanuka Wellbeing and Leadership with her husband.

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.

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!

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. You’ll often find her at the beach or seeking out a playground with her two young daughters, Evie and Maxie.

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.

Georgina has recently moved from England to the beautiful shores of Tauranga. She brings with her a deep passion for social change, having just completed a degree in the social science of disability. Georgina is driven to help others overcome obstacles and achieve their milestones.

In her spare time, Georgina loves exploring the great outdoors, come rain or shine. She is also quite the enthusiast in the kitchen, always excited to whip up new recipes and hone her culinary skills.

Georgina is excited to connect with everyone and eager to contribute to our vibrant community.

Bridget was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and moved to New Zealand at a young age. Bridget first lived in Auckland and now calls Tauranga home. In her spare time, Bridget enjoys walking, spending time in nature, baking, horse-riding, reading and going to church.

Being part of the Advisory Board has been a great opportunity for Bridget to learn, grow and contribute – especially as part of Momenta. Something unique about Bridget: she stayed at an elephant and rhino sanctuary, where she had the amazing experience of feeding them by hand!

Noa was born in Japan and moved to New Zealand with her parents when she was three months old. Noa’s brother came into the family when she was five years old, and her family lived in the Hawkes Bay. Noa and her family moved to Tauranga when she was six and she has called it home ever since. In her spare time Noa enjoys gaming, listening to podcasts and music, and watching videos about psychology on YouTube.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Noa enjoys sharing ideas about how to improve Momenta’s services. Noa believes everyone has something to contribute, and it’s great being able to bounce ideas off each other. Something you may not know about Noa – she enjoys learning about different types of music and discovering bands that have influenced music over the years.

Wallace was born in Brisbane, Australia, but moved to New Zealand when he was about one year old. He spent his childhood in Tauranga, New Plymouth, and Ngāruawāhia. In his spare time, Wallace can be found playing computer games or reading. He enjoys the fantasy genre and is working towards writing his own book.

Wallace loves the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals on the Advisory Board to help improve the services that Momenta has to offer.

Fun fact: Wallace has a keen interest in lightsaber duelling and enjoyed competing in his first tournament last year!

Sam grew up in London, England, but Tauranga is now his home. In his free time, Sam enjoys playing pool and bowling — Sam is part of a team for both and plays every week. Sam also enjoys fishing and travelling when he gets the chance.

Sam enjoys meeting new people as part of being on the Advisory Board Board and loves talking about Momenta’s Discovery programme.

A fun fact about Sam: He can speak multiple languages — English, Te Reo Māori, Spanish, and Sign Language!

Robert (RJ) grew up on a farm in a place called Arahina, south of Te Awamutu. RJ is a competitive athlete who has competed on the national level at Special Olympics. Being on the advisory board at Momenta is a rewarding challenge that builds confidence for RJ. A fun fact about RJ is that he is an excellent cook and is famous for his signature dish; Penne Bologense.

Leo was born in Matamata but moved to Tauranga when she was eight. In her spare time, Leo enjoys shopping, watching Disney Plus, hanging out with friends, baking up a storm, and getting creative with sewing projects.

Leo enjoys being on the Advisory Board because she gets to share her opinions and make new friends in a calming atmosphere.

Something you may not know about Leo – she can can belt out Japanese songs, word for word!

Nicky grew up in Te Aroha and moved to Tauranga in 2016. In her spare time, Nicky loves spending time with family and friends and listening to music – some of her all-time favourites are Tina Turner, Elton John, and Michael Jackson!

Nicky really enjoys being part of the Advisory Board, especially meeting up with everyone, sharing ideas, and helping with feedback.

Fun fact: Nicky was one of the founding members of Thames Valley Indoor Bowls and was a Special Olympics champion many years ago! Nicky still helps out with coaching and support when the team comes to Tauranga for tournaments.

Angus was born and grew up in Auckland before finishing school at Otumoetai College in Tauranga. Angus has a passion for sailing and is currently working towards competing in single-handed racing. Angus loves meeting new people through the Momenta Advisory Board and hearing their stories and ideas. A fun fact about Angus is that he comes from an entire family of sailors, and he recently won a national sailing competition with his father in Wellington.

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.

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.

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.