Iwi: Ngai Tahu
NKMP Role: Te Waka o Tuhono Kaiawhina Co-ordinator
Name: Joe Clarke
Iwi: Ngati Hine, Ngati mahuta, Ngati whawhakia
NKMP Role: Te Waka o Tuhono Manukura
Welcome to Joe and Janette Clarke, our brand new Te Waka o Tuhono team (Youth Addiction Programme - more about the service to come)!
Joe and Janette are a married couple of 30 years with four tamariki and nine mokopuna.
The pair grew up on the marae, got married on the marae, and worked together with rangatahi on the marae. They then moved to Tekapo where they run a family business and later on to North Canterbury where Joe worked for a number of years as a high voltage live line mechanic and Janette with special needs children.
The couple describe it as a full circle, having come back to work with rangatahi. Until starting with us today, Joe was working for PowerNet and Janette at Awarua Whanau Services as a Whanau Ora Navigator.
Joe and Janette said being here at Nga Kete is an awesome opportunity as they strongly believe in the kaupapa and look forward to the challenges ahead.
“It’s a gap that’s been needed for a long time that can finally be filled and help our young one’s out there to dream and want. We are passionate about this. It’s a privilege to honour our Tipuna and to reconnect rangatahi to information and knowledge that hasn’t always been available.”
Outside of work Janette has a passion for horses, while Joe has a passion for his Harley Davidson, and together the pair enjoy following winter sports and watching their tamariki and mokopuna compete.
Name: Traci Murray
Iwi: Taranaki Tuturu
NKMP role: Building Financial Capability + Kaiawhina
Welcome to Traci Murray, one of our newest staff members who joined the team today!
Traci, a mother of three, has joined NKMP in the brand new role of Building Financial Capability + Kaiawhina, which is aimed at building the financial resilience of clients through wrap-around support. This may include financial assessments, budget assistance, forward planning, support with seeking employment, and social support and networks.
Traci, who was born and raised in Invercargill, comes to us with more than 20 years’ experience working with whanau across Australia and New Zealand. Originally training as a primary school teacher, Traci then worked in the field of Whanau Ora and social work.
Traci is looking forward to her new position at Nga Kete and says she is passionate about helping whanau and has a love of math and figures.
Outside of work Traci enjoys reiki and meditation, and is currently enjoying learning about DIY as she redecorates her parents’ house.