Our Team


Kaimahi

Te Pou Ārahi - General Manager
Te Amoroa Clifton

Te Amoroa spent many years in education teaching Te Reo Māori me hōna tikanga to both rangatahi and pakeke (mature students). He is deeply passionate about history, particularly the history of Ngāti Tama, and Ngāti Mutunga.

He holds governance roles and has leadership, and management experience which are fundamental to his work at Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama. He attended The University of Canterbury where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Te Reo Māori and History. He then went on to gain a Masters of Mātauranga Māori through his studies at Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

Te Amoroa and his wife have established a home in Urenui with their two tamariki and he enjoys raising them in the knowledge of his tūpuna. Through his mātauranga he is guided by the teachings of his tūpuna which continues to inspire him in reaching his goal of growing the social, cultural and economic capital of Ngāti Tama.

Te Pou Herenga Tāngata - Social and Cultural Developer
Shelton Healey

Shelton has spent years working with his community, from his mahi at Work & Income, to supporting students at Te Pūkenga. Now, as Te Pou Herenga Tāngata – Social & Cultural Developer for Ngāti Tama, he feels fortunate to be in a role that aligns with his passion for helping others and building strong connections. He values open communication and engagement, creating opportunities through regular updates, community events, and interactive sessions.

Shelton is focused on reconnecting with his Ngāti Tama roots and helping uri feel connected to their heritage and identity. He aims to create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued as part of the whānau.

Inspired by his whānau, especially his moko, Shelton is committed to fostering pride and belonging within the iwi. Alongside his passion for music, he has a strong sporting background, having represented New Zealand in the Junior Black Sox World Series before pursuing his love for music.

Te Pou Whiria - Office and Accounts Administrator
Nhi Nguyen

Nhi’s cultural background originates from Vietnam. Her upbringing has ingrained a profound appreciation for the taiao (environment) and culture. Her education and work experience has given her a broad set of skills in finance and information systems. Nhi’s experience and contribution is valuable in providing security and transparency of financial processes. Nhi’s commitment to Ngāti Tama derives from her love for the environment which is a Ngāti Tama value that she appreciates.

Te Kaitiaki Taiao - Environmental Lead
Troy Thompson

Troy was born and raised in Taranaki and has whakapapa connections to Waikato.

Troy has an extensive history in the building and construction industry. In more recent years, he has focused and gained experience in protecting taonga species. He is passionate about enhancing and proteting the wellbeing of the taiao. His appreciation of the taiao comes from his upbringing and previous mahi in conservation. Troy’s goal is to cultivate his knowledge surrounding conservation and tikanga, to share that mātauranga with whānau.

Troy enjoys engaging with the community and being involved in environmental kaupapa and initiatives. He is dedicated to balancing human needs with the preservation of our taiao for uri and iwi.

Te Pou Āwhina - Administrative Assisstant
Aorangi Tupe

Aorangi has whakapapa connections to various places around the motu starting from Ngāpuhi down to Taranaki; stretching across the Waikato through Tainui, then Hauraki, over to Te Arawa and Ngai Te Rangi.

After an introduction to Te Ao Māori through bilingual and rumaki early childhood care, her passion to study Te Reo me ōna Tikanga has flourished over the years since she moved home to Waitara from Australia.

Aorangi comes to us through Te Heru Māpara as a cadet. Aorangi provides Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama with administrational support. Her mission is to grow her understanding of Te Ao Māori, and aims to stay in spaces that help revitalise Te Reo Māori.

Quick links
Address
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama
PO Box 143 Waitara
E: ngatitamataranaki@gmail.com
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